LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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SOUL-SAVING 



-OR- 



Lips jird LpB0R; 



-OF- 



HENRY M, WILLIS, 
Evangelist and Mis sin nary j 



Embracing an account of the Revivals in which he 

labored in america, and of his missionary 

work under blshop taylor in africa, 

Together with 

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF MRS ANNA WlLLIS, 

HIS WIFE AND THE COMPANION OF HIS TOILS, WITH 

AN ACCOUNT OF HER EVANGELISTIC WORK 

SINCE RETURNING FROM AFRICA. 



-BY- 



RE1T, JOSEPH n, SIMMS, H,M M 
Df the Central DhlK CanfarBiics, 

With an Introduction by 

REIT. WILLLHM JDNES, 
Df th.E St, Lcuis Conference 

, C 



'He that winneth sculs is wise," 
\ 







ot- Co* 



Robert E. Lynch, 
PRINTER, 

Howard & Diamond Sts., 
phila-deuphia-. 



Wo 8ggian ciimpgon ISillig, 



THE ONLY CHILD OF 



Henrg JEl <§ pinna "Willis, 



Jt#j| boy tenderly loved, and the subject of 
J|§1 many prayers ; who in early child* 
hood accompanied his parents in 
their Evangelistic work, from State to 
State, and finally u To Afric's Sunny 
Clime v " 



This Bank Is dedicated with the hnpe that 
Qssian, in future life, will sbtvb the 
great cause in which his father 
so earnestly and faithfully 
labored, 



'The earth and the sea shall give up their dead." 



Entered According to Act of Congress in the Year 1886^ 

By Mrs. Anna Willis, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C 



Ppefaee. 



The brief life of Henry M. Willis, evangelist and mis* 
sionary, is ended. His career, though short, was intense and 
very successful. Few men, in such a short time, have so 
impressed themselves upon the world and accomplished so 
much in the Lord's work. Many are the souls that now 
point to him as the agent under God in their conversion, 
Many are the strong churches over the land that have received 
impulse and inspiration by his magic touch, and that date 
their larger prosperity from the time that lie came to labor 
among them. 

It will not be forgotten that he and his companion were 
the first missionaries stationed by Bishop Taylor in central 
Africa. 

The original object of this volume is to collect and 
arrange in some connected order the main events in the life of 
our deceased Brother Willis, so that the book might be a sort 
of memoir or biography of his life and labors, and at th e 
same time a presentation of his methods in gospel work. To 
this end materials were gathered by his wife, and the writer 
was requested to undertake the task of giving them form and 
order for the eye of the public. But it was apparent that 
such a task would not be completely formed without embrac- 



6 

ing some account of the life of his wife, Mrs. Anna Willis, 
who was his helper in all the main events of his public 
service, both in the evangelistic and missionary fields, and 
who now goes forward, according to her own desire, and the 
request of her dying husband, to fields of other and earnest 
evangelistic endeavor. 

The work of Mrs. Willis, during the life-time of her 
husband, was so inseparably connected with his, that a book 
describing the service of one must, in some measure at least, 
set forth the work of the other. It has therefore been thought 
best to make this volume not only a memoir of Brother Willis, 
but also to include a sketch of the life and work of his sur- 
viving companion. 

In the midst of the duties of a new pastoral charge and 
without opportunity to give such time and pains as a volume 
of this kind would justly demand, the writer has consented 
to undertake the work of this memoir and biography. He 
does so under such circumstances from two or three consider- 
ations. 

The work has providentially come to his hands. During 
a large part of the public life of Brother Willis, the author 
had a pleasant acquaintance with him and had opportunity to 
study his plans of work. It had been suggested to Brother 
Willis that some account of his life and work should be given 
to the public. Some floating ideas had been entertained in 
his own mind that possibly some good might be accomplished 
by a work of the kind. If such a book were ever written 
Brother Willis desired that he who now undertakes this biogra- 
phy should write it. Accordingly after his death his faithiul 



wife desiring to carry out the mind of her husband placed 
this task in the hands of the writer. 

Without any pretentions to literary merit, the Author 
undertakes this work, unsought but providentially placed in 
his hands, with pleasure, because in so doing he may do a 
kindness and discharge an obligation due to an ardent friend 
and may, also, give expression to his own appreciation of the 
character and work of one who was so devoted and true to 
God. 

The life and deeds of him of whom we are to write were 
of such a character and importance as to be noteworthy in 
the eyes of the people and deserving of publication in per- 
manent form. The Author has long been of the opinion that 
no book should be written without some worthy object in 
view and unless some demand would be met by its publication 
that is not exactly supplied by any other. The eventful life 
of our deceased Brother Willis, and that of his surviving com- 
panion still engaged in public services and achieving great 
victories in the Lord's work, has created a place for such a 
work as is herein contemplated. 

Many persons have already expressed a strong desire 
that such a book should be written, and that the events and 
plans of work in the career of our worthy and devoted brother 
and sister should be written, so that the life and services of 
'these persons whom God hath raised up and honored at home 
and abroad by a succession of splendid victories may be 
known to all other christian workers, and to the world in 
general. 



8 

And may it not be that in accepting the providentia 
work of recording the events of these successful lives that 
good may be accomplished. Certainly the many letters and 
kind words of encouragement that have come to the Author 
since undertaking this work have confirmed him in this hope 
and helped him to the belief that in this respect his labors 
will not be in vain, but rather that good may be done and the 
Lord's cause advanced, and that the services herein men- 
tioned and the successes grouped, in the life of Brother Willis, 
may prove an inspiration to others to offer themselves to the 
work of Christ and thereby fill up the ranks made vacant by 
the falling ones who may have gone forth to the great conflict 
for souls. 

With these thoughts prominent and with acknowledge- 
ment of much aid rendered by Rev. J. H. Barren, Rev. J. K. 
Shaffer, Rev. Thomas Harrison, Prof. Robert F. Y. Pierce, 
Rev. E. D. Witlock, D. D , and others who have contributed 
valuable help in preparing these pages, we send this volume 
forth with the hope that it may aid in extending the knowl- 
edge of the Lord's work, and many hearts may be induced to 
make bolder and greater efforts in the Master's vineyard, and 
that God may be honored and His kingdom in the earth 
more rapidly advanced. 

J. D. SIMMS. 
Wauseon, Ohio, August 17, 1886. 



Sontinfe, 



INTRODUCTION 

CHAPTER I, 

Birth —Parentage.— Family .^-Home-Life.^= Early Days."* 
Education and Youthful Character. 

CHAPTER II. 

Christian Experience.— Religious Advantages.-— Influence of 
Home. — School and Sunday- School. — Conversion. — - 
Begins Religious Work.*- Joins Church find Y. M. C. A 
—General Christian Usefulness. 

CHAPTER III, 

Self-help and care for Others.— Business Career.— Aptitude 
in Worldly Endeavors.— Way opens for future Success. 
Religious work while in Business.— An Offer of Higher 
Wages. — A Call in another Direction.— Weighing the 
Matter. — "Three Days in the Tomb."— Decision.— Bap- 
tism of the Spirit.— The Gift of Faith. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Ready for Duty in the Lord's Work. — Work in the Taber- 
nacle.— Decides to be an Evangelist.— Fields Open. — 
Past experience Beneficial. — Madison.—- Unionville.— ~ 
Geneva, a striking Incident.-— Call to hold a Camp-meet- 
ing. — Call to Secretaryship of Y. M. C. A. — Licensed to 
Exhort and Commended by the Church, 



10 

CHAPTEK V. 

Camp-me3ting at Lakeside.— Enjoys meetings under Harri- 
son. — Meets Miss Anna Ruddick, an Evangelist. —Like 
Spirits. — Like Work.— They vow to Agree. — Two En- 
gagements, one to Miss Ruddick and one to hold a 
meeting at Andover. — Is Married.— -Two Evangelists 
unite for one Work. 

CHAPTER VI. 

A Leaf from his Wife's History. — Her Birth.— Parentage.— ~ 
Early Education.— Religious Experience.— Missionary 
Tendencies. — Evangelistic Work.— -Great success in 
Soul-Saving.— Called the Girl Preacher. — -Missionary 
Opportunities. — -Marriage. 

CHAPTER VII. 

First Revival Service after Marriage. — -They two lay Siege to 
Andover.— Both ends of the Yoke Sustained.-— Woman 
is a help-meet for Man. — The Work owned of the Lord 
A wonderful Meeting.— WILLIAMSFIELD, a Short 
Meeting with deep Interest. — 62 Conversions. — Church 
greatly Strengthened.— ORWELL, Grand Success.— 
Earnest Work. — Lord with his People — Mighty to Save. 
— Nearly 300 Saved in 16 Days. — Time of Refreshing.— 
Infidel Club Converted.— SPARTA, Deep Feeling- 
People Confounded.— Awful Struggle.— Wrestling in 
Prayer. — Grand Victory. — A Hard Case. — Blessing in 
the Morning. — -Christmas Day.— Powerful Sermon on 
" Strive."— End of 2882. 

CHAPTER VIIL 

Rest at Ashland. — -Engaged for TifBin, O.— The Preparation. 
—The work begun by Pastor.- — Evangelists add Fuel to 
the Flames. — It Sweeps on. — Business men Visited.— 
Bell rung and Prayers offered at 12. SO P. M. — Effects 
EleciricaL — Power of God on the City. — Children's Meet- 
ings, Organizing a Class of 200 Children.— An old 



11 

Fashioned Demonstration of Power.— A Strong Matt 
Prostrated.— Overflow of Attendance. — The work goes 
on until nearly 600 are Saved.— -A marvelous work of 
God. — After the Revival.— Its work substantial, Conver- 
sions Continue.—- The Church finished.— -The promise of 
Revival fulfilled.— A Delightsome Land— NOR WALK, 
The fire Kindles.— Consecration and Prayer. — Crowds 
Gather. — Conversions Begin, — Fast Day. — A Precious 
Feast. — Altar Crowded.— 182 Conversions.— Incidents of 
the Meeting. — Strength Failed.— Meeting Closed, and 
Evangelists seek Rest.— Go West on a temporary Visit. 

CHAPTER IX, 

Seeking Rest and Health.— A few days at Lawrence, Kan, 
—Attends Conference at Hiawatha.— Call to State Worl^ 
—Returning to Lawrence, Kan, — Received many calls 
. to hold Meetings.— Little work is Undertaken.— Call 
to Marysville, Kan. is accepted.— The work entered 
upon. — House Overflowing. — 160 Conversions. — The 
Church quickened, — Mrs. Willis conducting after Ser- 
vices.- — Other Churches strengthened. — Extracts from 
the Papers. — People from ten miles away in Attend- 
ance.— The Bride and Groom from the Prairie Converted. 
—Results of the meeting Good.— Testimony of the Pastor, 

CHAPTER X. 

Abilene, Kan.— On way, discovered by a Pastor.— An unpre- 
cedented Eulogy. — Invited to tarry and hold Revival 
Services but was engaged for Abilene. — On Account of 
his wife's health could undertake no More. — Successful 
work and some remarkable Incidents. — Formalism 
receives a hard Blow.- — Church membership without 
Salvation.— A rich experience and a Grand Testimony. 



12 



CHAPTEE XI. 

Returning to the East. — Rents a furnished cottage in Repub- 
lic, 0., in June, intending to rest for the Summer. — Bro. 
Guard invited him to Melmore. — He cannot be Hid. — 
The cry of souls is Heard. — Holds a two weeks meeting 
at Melmore. — A Wonderful Revival in Harvest Time. — 
More than 100 Conversions. — NEVADA, Called by the 
Presiding Elder to fill the Pulpit at Nevada.— Traveling 
a Circuit till Conference as a Supply. — He pieaches in 
the Streets. — The White Horse. — Crowds hear him from 
his Carriage Pulpit. — Delivers up his charge at Confer- 
ence. — Visits other Conferences. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Invitations received. — Wonderful cry for Evangelists. — - 
t Sometimes 300 Invitations Ahead. — He accepts Hicks- 
ville. — The Correspondence. — The Situation. — Hard 
pounding both Ways. — Holding on by Faith. — In Dark- 
ness. — Soon the Heavens were Light. — The great Vic- 
tory. — The Holy Ghost fell on All. — The meeting 
Time. — The great deep broken up. — Sinners crying 
and Converts Shouting. — An Editor Saved. — A time of 
Rejoicing. — The beginning of greater Prosperity. — 
CAREY, O,— The Altar Filled.— The cry of Agony.— 
Salvation comes. — The crowds too Great. — An old man 
taking Christ on testimony and is Saved. — Numbers 
added to the Churches. — Pastor Taneyhill. — Upper San- 
dusky. — A two week's Engagement. — Bro. D. Cook, 
Pastor. — Three score of substantial Converts. — God 
owns his workmen, and the work moves on. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

LIMA, O. — Pastor Davies in charge of a great Church 
invites Evangelist Willis. — Much work ahead. — Hard 
Fighting. — The awakening spirit on the City. — Crowds 



13 

Attend. — Scores are Converted. — One Hundred and 
Thirty-Six decide for Christ.— FOSTORIA, O.,— Jona- 
than and his armor Bearer. — The Church at Ease.— The 
Few.— Pastor and Evangel ist.— Earnest Work, — Pulling 
out of the Fire, 125 plucked as Brands. — The Church 
greatly Revived.— STRYKER, O.— A Few Days.— 
The Fire is Kindled. --Sins confessed and forsaken.— 
Estranged hands clasped in Friendship, — Sinners seek- 
ing Salvation —A Glorious Time. — April 20, 1884. — The 
work finished in the West,-— The Season of Rest and 
Retirement.— A Few Months Vacation and Rest from 
the Strain of Revival Work at Tiffin, Ohio, 

CHAPTER XIV. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA,, October, 1884.— Again in the Field. 
— A Call to be Assistant Pastor in the City.— Salary 
Offered. — Opening Prospects. — Accepts Evangelistic 
. Work in West Philadelphia with Rev. Clark, Pastor.— 
A Good Meeting.— NORRIS SQUARE.— Rev. Thomas 
Harrison, Pastor.— Providential Opening.— Evangelist 
Willis invited. — First Night 51 at the Altar.— Victory. 
— The Good Work continued.— More than 200 converted. 
— Another Account— The Work aad Workers appreci- 
ated.— The La-st Revival of Brother Willis. 

CHAPTER XV 

How to succeed in Soul-saving.— Some Fail.— Mr. Willis 
always Won.— His Preparation.— Consecration and 
Acceptance.— Endued with Power.— Assurance of Suc- 
cess.— Peculiar personal Endowment.— Methods of Work. 
- — Faith of the Church.— Earnest, Intense and Continued 
Prayer. — Fasting, — Work for All, — Power of Song.— 
Use of Tracts. — Mention of Good Done. — Fearless 
Preaching. — Expect immediate Results.— Open the wa^f 
$or Seekers,=~Rejoice with the Converts, 



14 

CHAPTEK XVI. 

'The Missionary Impulse.— -Correspondence with Bishop Tay-» 
lor. — The Sacrifice required. The self-surrender to 
work in Africa. — The Pledge demanded. — The Engage- 
ment for Work in Africa. — The Brooklyn Convention.-— 
His Usefulness There.— An Inspiration to the Conven- 
tion of Missionaries. — Account of Manager Rev. J. D, 
Griffin. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Departure for Africa.— The Voyage.— Entertainments or? 
Shipboard ,-^Storin in crossing Atlantic. — Arrival at Liv-* 
erpool.— Kindness of Fowler Brothers.-"On board Steam- 
ship a Biafra." — A Coast Storm.-— Mrs. Willis' protracted 
Illness.— Kindness of Friends— Madeira Island.— Sierre 
Leone. — Conversion of Mr. Wilson. — A Wedding at 
Sea. — Km boys.-^Meeting Bishop Taylor. — Landing at 
Mayumba, 

CHAPTER XVIIL 

The Steamer leaves Mayumba.— Temporary Home with Mr. 
Evans. — Sunday Morning Services in Mr. Evans dining-* 
room.— Visit to Mamby.— *Mr. Willis and Ossian attacked 
with African fever — A visit to the Native Villages. — --A 
visit from King Mamby and many Natives. — Customs of 
the Natives. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Bishop Taylor urged to request Mr. and Mrs. Willis to return 
to America.— The request made and accepted.— The 
arrival of the North bound coast steamer " Biafra." 
— The kind offer of Captain Thomas of the " Biafra." — a 
Mr. WiJlis's farewell "palaver." — Anchored at Old Cal- 
abar. — Mr. Willis again attacked with African Fever. — 
The course of the vessel ordered far out to sea.— 'Brother 
Willis fast losing his hold on life. — His last words. — * 



15 

His death and burial at sea. — Mrs. Willis almost crushed 
with sorrow. — Kindness of Captain Thomas and his 
officers and men. — Arrival at Liverpool. — Took passage, 
on steamship '* Servia" for New York. — Arrival at Phila- 
delphia. — Memorial Service to Brother Willis. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Memorial Window — The kind people of Norris Square M. 
E. Church.— Mrs. Willis' stay in Philadelphia.— Her 
visit to the Methodist Episcopal Ministers' meeting. — 
Eesolutions of sympathy. — Mrs. Willis departs for the 
home of her parents in Ohio. — The death of her father- 
in-law — The end of the history of the subject of this 
Memoir. 

CHAPTER XXL 

Mrs. H. M. Willis. — By Nature an Evangelist. — Her gifts 
known to her Husband. — His dying request for her to 
continue the Work. — Her safe return to America. — -The 
, Salvation of Souls dearer than life. — Her brief Rest. — 
The opening of the Way. — Calls to Evangelistic Services. 
— NORRIS SQUARE, signal success.— Fever and Pros- 
tration. — Rest and Becovery. — Beady for Duty -NORTH 
W r ALES, a Good Meeting.— TRINITY, NEW YORK. 
— Her Impressive Sermons — Her Modesty and Sim- 
plicity. — The Wonderful Display of God's Power. — A 
Glorious Revival. — Her return to Ohio. — Greets her 
Boy. — A Short Best. — Returns to Philadelphia. — North 
Fourth Street Union Mission. — Anywhere to save souls. 
— The Pastor's Report. — The Jubilee Service. — Rejoicing 
and Testimony of many Converts. — Mrs. Willis greatly 
appreciated. — An Account of her Life Work. — Suffers 
still from African Fever and Nervous Prostration. — 
Compelled to rest. — Cancels many Engagements. — 
Returns to Ohio for the Summer. — Attends Summer 
Assemblies. — Expects to continue the Evangelistic Work, 
— Closing Remarks. 



InfeodueHon. 



In the language of Dr. Talniage " I am 
requested to stand in the vestibule and open 
the door of this volume for the people." This 
task has some very pleasant and enjoyable 
aspects ; and it imposes some duties that lie 
heavy upon the heart. To speak in a becoming 
spirit of the dead is not always an easy task, 
and to speak in the proper spirit and to say the 
right word of him w r hose lifeless form the deep 
sea covers, and to speak in the presence of her, 
who survives the death of her husband with 
sufficient ccurage to care for her fatherless boy 
and go forward and tell the story of the Savior's 
love, requires a pure motive and a discriminat- 
ing mind. 

Of him who, with fidelity to the facts and 
with finish of narrations, has undertaken the 
arduous task of collecting and collating the 
facts and incidents in the life of a friend whose 
career was so brilliant, yet so brief, whose sun 



17 

rose so brightly, ascended to its zenith and 
sank so suddenly in the west, we can speak 
freely. It is eminently proper that I should 
extend this courtesy to the writer of this vol- 
ume. For a term of years we were members 
of the same conference. When just from the 
University we had the extreme pleasure of 
entertaining him at the parsonage for a number 
of days and then driving with him in our own 
carriage across the country and introducing 
him to the good christian people of his first 
charge, and it is with a good degree of pleasure 
that we stand now on the threshold of this new 
enterprise and introduce him to the multitudes 
who will read his garnered store of rare trophies 
from the life and labors of him whose sun went 
down while it was yet morning. 

The story of the evangelist, must of neces- 
sity, treat of evangelism. We believe in the 
true evangelism of the Church, having no con- 
fidence in any form of evangelistic effort which 
ignores the Church of God " which he pur 
chased with his own blood." We cannot acqui- 
esce in the sentiment that all evangelistic effort 
is to be discarded by the Church. For the 
accomplishment of the divine purpose "God 
gave some apostles, and some pastors, and some 
prophets, and some evangelist?." And these 



18 

agencies all combine " For the perfecting of the 
saints, and for the work of the ministry/' and 
for the edification and enlargement of the 
Church. 

God designed the Church for a noble pur- 
pose, and in order to reach that exalted position 
it must not only be pure, but it must take on 
such proportions as will enable it to stand per- 
fect and complete in the u measure of the 
stature of the fullness of Christ." The fact 
that improper persons have entered the evange- 
listic ranks, lies with no mor£ weight against 
the office of an evangelist than does the fact 
that improper persons in all ages have crept 
into the ministerial office, lies against the office 
and work of the ministry. The spirit that 
would exclude the evangelist from the field and 
abolish the office because some have not been 
true men, would close every pulpit in the land, 
and hush forever its warning voice because it 
has been disgraced by some unworthy of the 
-sacred calling, 

Neither can it be truly alleged that evange- 
lists are the only promulgators of heresy in the 
Church. There are those everywhere w T ho 
openly, in the exercise of their ministerial 
office, take delight in presenting phases of 
doctrine not found in the standard works of 



19 

their own Church. Men are not to be received 
as infallible because they are ministers, nor 
rejected as the heralds of heresy and dissension 
because they are in the evangelistic work. The* 
office of an evangelist is as wide in its applica- 
tion and effort as the functions of the ministry $ 
and admits of as great diversity of talent in 
the fulfilment of its mission, 

As no two men were ever alike in every 
particluar, no more can two successful evange- 
ists be the same in method or manner — each 
one must of needs be a law unto himself. After 
years of severe and sometimes unkind criticism, 
Rev. Thomas Harrison has had one of the most 
successful years of his life. God has vindicated 
his claim to the office and exclusive work of an 
evangelist by giving him thousands of souls as 
the fruit of his labors. Rev. James Caughey 
was an evangelist owned of the Lord ; cosmo- 
politan in spirit and labors, his were the steps 
and voice of a giant ; thousands on both sides 
of the ^Atlantic were converted through his 
instrumentality, and eternity alone will reveal 
the extent to which his labors spiritualized the 
protestantism of the world. 

We distinctly remember the evangelistic 
efforts of some persons we knew in childhood 
—some obscure laymen— the results of which 



20 

stand to-day as a monument to their memory* 
I do not believe God will ever suffer the Church 
to fall into such a state orprelatical domination 
as to exclude special evangelistic effort. The 
publication of this volume will doubtless con- 
tribute to the accomplishment of this end. 

As these pages will be read by thousands of 
earnest christians, old and young; as they shall 
follow IL M. Willis from his boyhood home in 
Northern Ohio, from the scenes of conflict and 
victory in his evangelistic campaigns in the 
east and west, to his last field of labor in the 
" Dark Continent 5 '; as they shall contemplate 
his successes and look upon the strong, spiritual 
Churches that are the result of his labors, and 
see the host of strong men and women raised 
up by his effort, who still remain as monu- 
ments of his God-given efficiency, they will 
perceive that it was a divine hand leading him, 
and that divine power was the source of his 
success. 

It is seldom a man projects himself so far 
into the future in so short a time, as did the 
subject of this volume. He was engaged in his 
work for only a few years ; like the son of 
Elizabeth, "His was a brief period." He did not 
aspire to greatness, he did his work promptly 
and with a single purpose. He appears to us 



21 

as if he might have adopted as the motto of 

his life : 

" I live for those who love me, 

For those I know are true ; 
For the heaven that smiles above me, 

And awaits my spirit too ; 
For all human ties that bind me, 
For the task my God assigned me, 
For the bright hopes left behind me, 

And the good that I can do." 

Henry M. Willis belongs to that class of 
public workers who knew x by intuition the way 
to the hearts of men. He startled the sensual 
and the careless by the suddenness and bold- 
ness of his assault. He was not great in the 
sense in which some of the great preachers won 
distinction. He was neither like Summerfield 
nor Maffit. He belonged rather to a class of 
lay workers. He sustained such a relation to 
the great preachers as some of the minor 
prophets sustain to Isaiah and Daniel. He was 
like Micah or John the Baptist, breaking out 
from the regions of obscurity and rousing the 
people to a tempest of anxiety for salvation. 
He was not a comet whose gorgeous train filled 
all the heavens with its mighty glow ; he w r as a 
meteor blazing for a moment in the sky explod- 
ing by its own velocity, but instead of going 
out in darkness, leaving all the moral heavens 
tinged with the brightness of his radiance. 



22 

The surviving companion of the subject of 
this volume was Miss Anna Ruddick. If she 
was not born an evangelist, she was inducted 
into that office by the Holy Ghost at her con- 
version and confirmed and ordained by the 
same authority through the experience of full 
salvation. 

Early in the career of Henry M. Willis these 
youthful laborers met and being mutually 
attracted, were soon united in marriage which 
proved a very happy union ; and it is difficult 
now to determine to what extent her influence 
affected his career. To us at a distance, she 
always appeared as an essential factor in his 
work, a proper climax to all his efforts. She 
did not revolutionize him ; she did not change 
his manner or modes of thought. She was an 
augmenting force ; she was the central sun that, 
by the law of spiritual gravitation, kept him 
in his orbit ; and yet they were one — the two 
hemispheres of one crb — in their work they 
were essential to each other. 

This volume must, in a measure, represent 
the evangelism of H. M. Willis with his living 
co-operating environments and it must in a large 
degree represent Rev. Joseph IX Simms, the 
ardent friend whose fascile pen records the 
achievements of one, who, having finished his 



23 

brief but victorious career, died on ship-board 
and was buried in the sea, while his sorrowing 
but triumphant companion survives him with 
sufficient strength and courage to carry on the 
work for the Master. 

Read this story of the pure, self-sacrificing, 
heroic, christian worker from the pen of the 
chaste and scholarly author ; read it carefully 
and prayerfully ; it will quicken every religious 
impulse and add a thousand fold to your pur- 
pose to be better and do more for God and 
humanity. 

WM. JONES, 

Sedalia, Mo. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth. — Parentage. — Family. — Home-Life. — Early Days — Edu- 
cation and Youthful Character. 

Henry Milton Willis was born in Ashland, 
Ohio, July 17, 1858. His parents were Dedrick 
W. and Sarah A, Willis. 

He was the third of nine children, having 
four brothers and four sisters, two of whom, 
an older and a young brother died in infancy. 
Henry was the oldest son that grew to man- 
hood. 

His parents were both natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. His father was born in Lancaster County, 
March 22, 1829 ; and his mother in Washington 
County, February 2, 1828. They were married 
at Wooster, Ohio, March 20, 1854, and at once 
located permanently at Ashland, Ohio. Here 
Henry's father engaged in business, and for 
some years was a tin merchant, in good pecun* 
iary circumstances, owning stock and real 
estate. 



25 

But through misfortune or misplaced confi- 
dence his business failed, his means \*ere soon 
exhausted, and he was left penniless. Failing to 
succeed in business and determined to support 
his family honestly, he next engaged in farm- 
ing fields in the suburbs of the place, and in 
doing many other kinds of hard work. For 
the successful endurance of which his constitu- 
tion was quite inadequate. Grief on account 
of loss of property and overwork, entirely 
broke down his health and took away his 
courage, so that he became, in the later years 
of his life, a helpless and dependent invalid, and 
died of his chronic ailments August 31, 1885. 
. He had been an excellent provider for his 
household, a kind, loving and thoughtful hus- 
band and father, who had bright plans for the 
well-being of his family and the education of 
his children, but with loss of property and 
health his brightest earthly hopes for helping 
his large family were completely thwarted, and 
instead of helping others, he himself needed to 
be helped. 

From early life he was a member of the 
Dunkers, or Brethren Church, and always 
sought the religious welfare of his family, 
Henry's mother, still living at Ashland, Ohio, 
is of the same religious persuasion, and her 



20 

pious life and example have been greatly felt 
in the moral and religious training of the chil- 
dren. Henry greatly loved and appreciated hie 
mother. 

His father being an invalid and without 
means for several years before his death, the 
support of the family fell upon the older chil- 
dren, the oldest of which was a daughter,, 
Susanah L. Willis, afterwards wife of Rev. A, 
A. Mead, of the North Ohio Conference. She 
taught nine years in the public schools of 
Ashland, supporting herself and contributing 
to the support of the family. 

Henry, being the oldest son that grew to 
manhood, assumed his full share of the respon- 
sibility when quite young, and never failed to 
make money and assist in providing for the 
wants of the family at home to the end. 

Notwithstanding the long affliction of the 
father, the Willis home was attractive, and a 
kind, heavenly Father sustained and raised up 
help in their every financial need. The chil- 
dren grew and helped each other and helped 
the parents. The home was a center of health- 
ful christian influence, where all the children 
delighted to be. 

The mother always made home attractive 
for the little folks by providing something tor 



27 

their edification and entertainment. She lived 
with reference to the welfare of her children, 
and to this end her motherly influence was 
directed. They were permitted to have their 
plays, and at the evening hour would listen to 
stories, counsels and conversations of the par- 
ents, and would spend much time in singing. 
Family worship was held and much attention 
was given to religious culture at home. The 
children were taught to pray and to exercise 
strong faith in God, Although reared in town 
these children were seldom on the streets, but 
under the firm, patient hand of a christian 
mother, the home became an attractive training 
school The boys were reared to manhood 
without any taste for the streets, the card-table, 
the dancing-hall, the drinking saloon, or tobacco 
in any form, but all grew up to embrace the 
christian faith, and to be living witnesses of 
Christ's power to save. The girls grew to pure 
womanhood, adorned with the grace of chris- 
tian character. 

Under these healthful home influences Henry 
Willis, the subject of this sketch, began his 
early days. He entered the public schools at 
Ashland, at the age of six. He was a bright, 
obedient, studious and faithful pupil in every 
particular from the beginning, especially gifted 



28 

in mathematics and languages with unusual 
ability for drawing and music. He pursued the 
course of study in the public schools until he 
reached the higher grades, when he was obliged 
to leave school on account of home finances, 
which now he must aid in providing. 

He cheerfully left school to engage in the 
hard labor of farming ; but his evenings would 
be spent in study. He played the organ and 
sang as he had opportunity ; often the last 
sound at night, in his boyhood home, was his 
voice in song together with the organ. Early 
in the morning he would sing hymns of praise. 
He was never a person who would murmur or 
complain, and even in sickness he was quiet 
and patient and ever employed. 

At one time, in his boyhood, when confined 
to his bed on account of a severe lameness, his 
hands were busy and among other things, 
which he did, was the knitting of a large rug 
for his mother. He always delighted to help 
his mother ; and was very industrious at all 
times. Even when farming, he would take his 
leisure of the noon hour to engage in the exer- 
cise of singing, and playing the organ. He 
was always punctual and precise in his doings, 
not very communicative, but rather reticent 
and reserved as a boy, but always very generous 



29 

and kind. From early life he gave a certain 
large portion of his income for the welfare ot 
others. Giving was a part of his religion, and 
benevolence a prominent characteristic of his 
entire life. 



CHAPTER II. 

Early Christian Experience —Religious Advantages. — Influence 
of Home, School and Sundag- school. — Conveision* — Church 
and Y. M. C. A.— General Christian Usefulness. 

In this chapter we furnish the following 
account from the pen of Rev. J. H. Barron, of 
the North Ohio Conference. He speaks from 
personal knowledge, and thorough acquaintance 
with the early life of Brother Willis, and is well 
qualified to furnish the readers with as correct 
information as any that can be given. He has 
written at this point of the history as follows : 

The early life of Rev. H. M. Willis was 
characterized by uncommon vivacity and quick- 
ness of perception, and by an unvarying love 
of that which was religious. 

He grew up to manhood under the religious 
training of a mother who was a pious woman 
and a member of the society called Dunkers. 

His school privileges were of the best 
afforded by the village. Here again were influ- 



30 

ences thrown around him of a religious charac- 
ter, such as reading ot the Scriptures, and 
prayer by the teacher, and song and praise by 
the school. 

These devotional exercises. had their desired 
effect upon the minds of the pupils and kept 
before them the necessity of a personal religious 
life. 

In the Winter of 1876, a revival meeting 
was begun in the old Methodist Church, in the 
village of Ashland, under the direction and 
labors of Rev. Samuel Yourtee. These meet- 
ings were attended by christians of all denomi- 
nations, and were especially successful in the 
conviction and conversion of the young people. 

With many others who were led to the 
altar was Harry Willis, who, while bowing 
before God, repented ot his sins, "with that 
repentance which needeth not to be repented 
of," and with an earnest heart and a broken 
contrite spirit he " sought and found " forgive- 
ness of all his sins, and arose from the altar 
with a consciousness that he was a child of 
God The dark night of sin and condemnation 
which had rested upon his soul, was dispelled 
by the dawning of the Day Star from on high ; 
and he was enabled to say with the Psalmist — 
"The Lord is my light and my Salvation." 



31 

This was February 2, 1876, being the anniver- 
sary of his mother's birthday. 

Having been a regular attendant upon the 
Sunday School and a member of a large class 
of young men, he immediately went to work 
for the Master, seeking them out through the 
large congregations that assembled night after 
night; he greeted them with the message with 
which Philip greeted Nathaniel: "We have 
found Him of whom Moses, in the law, and 
the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the 
son of Joseph." Like the bee that has found 
a satisfying supply of honey, fills itself, and 
then goes with delight and strength to tell 
others of its sweetness and source ; so he went 
telling to all around what a dear Savior he had 
found. 

And many were the trophies of Grace which 
he found for the Lord Jesus Christ through his 
earnest and prayerful labors, in that series of 
revival meetings. 

After the close of the Winter Campaign 
Harry found in the church and in the Y. M. C. 
A. channels for enlarged usefulness, Then 
began in him the cultivation of a large charity^ 
which was ever after the peculiar characteristic 
of his life. 



32 

Presbyterians, Lutherans, United Brethren, 
Baptists, Methodists, all who loved his Savior 
were loved by him. 

He attended religious services, carried on 
by different denominations, and was always 
welcomed by them as an earnest, faithful and 
useful young man. 

His delight, next to that of communion 
with Jesus, seemed to be in communing with 
his Saints. These hallowed associations were 
always a delight and a pleasure to him, and 
from them he derived spiritual power. He 
proved the words of the prophet " They that 
wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they 
shall run and not weary, and they shall walk 
and not faint." 

So he had a renewal of strength as each 
means of grace wa^ attended and enjoyed. 

Very early in his christian life it was notice- 
able thai he was a " Chosen Vessel," that he 
was not to mark out his own course in life, but 
that God had his life-work already in waiting 
for him. 

Not only had his lips been touched w r ith a 
live coal, taken from off the altar, but his 
heart had received a living Christ. " The zeal 
of God's house had eaten him up." So when 



33 

he heard the voice of God " Whom shall I send 
and who will go lor us " and evangelize this 
world, bear the glad tidings of salvation to the 
lost and famishing of the earth, Harry's voice 
and heart, like that of Isaiah ot old, cried out, 
" Here am I, send me." Though the riches and 
honors of the world just before me within my 
easy grasp, yet for the Lord and the saving of 
the lost, I turn my back upon them all, and 
cry " Here am I ' ready to do what Thou wilt 
have me ; ready to go whither Thou wilt direct 
me ; ready to suffer all Thou shalt cause to 
come upon me ; ready to encounter the greatest 
difficulties, fight in the hottest battles, wander 
in the most barren deserts, and die if needs be 
on sea or land, at home or among strangers, 
ready to have my grave where loved ones can 
come and visit it, and weave a chaplet of flowers 
and strew the early spring beauties upon it, or 
in mid ocean be lowered beneath the gurgling 
waves and find a resting place for this earthly 
house amid the moss and weeds that grow in 
the silence and depth of the blue sea. Such 
was the spirit and self-consecration, and anxiety 
for the w T ork ot Christ in the earth that led 
Harry Willis out into the work of an evangelist. 

New opportunities and experiences were 
offered him in a new field of labor, which had 



34 

opened for him in Cleveland, through the Y„ 
M. 0. A. of that city. Here he was permitted 
to join with those choice kindred spirits in the 
worship of God, in the frequent gatherings of 
all classes of christians in the delightiul and 
beautiful rooms of the Y. M. C. A, 

Here God w T as pleased to own his labors in 
the reclamation and salvation of multitudes of 
young men. Here he visited almshouses, hos- 
pitals and the lowest places of iniquity, seeking 
to lift, up and save those who had fallen victims 
to shame and sin. All the sympathies of his 
nature seemed to be in this Christ-like labor, 
and often he rejoiced in God that He had thus 
led him to so broad a field of usefulness. 

But this city was not to be his life-long 
field. After two or three years labor, here, 
through the providence of God he was thrust 
out as a traveling or itinerating evangelist 

Traveling from village to village and from 
city to city, God putting His seal upon the 
labors of His servant, by permitting him to see 
hundreds in a single series of meetings, turning 
from the service of satan unto God. 

And this was not to be wondered at. He 
was the sent of the Lord. His heart and sym- 
pathies beating in harmony with the heart of 
his Divine Redeemer. 



35 

He dealt openly, yet tenderly and prayer- 
fully, with sinners. He gave the gospel trum- 
pet no uncertain sound. While he told men of 
the guilt and power of their sins, he placed 
before them a Savior that was able and willing 
to save, not only from the guilt and penalty of 
sin but from the power, pollution and being of 
sin. One that could save to the uttermost, all 
that came unto God through Him, 

Hence he became a power for good. God 
through him was mighty to the pulling down 
of the strong-holds of sin ; and as deep as are 
the ocean waves that now roll over his mortal 
remains, so deep were the mighty waves of 
God's salvation that rolled over the communi- 
ties, visited by the young soldier of the Cross. 

He has passed from labor to reward ; or in 
his own dying words, " into the Glory which 
is just ahead." 

Having labored and walked with God he 
was not ; for God took him. 

Let his earnest, zealous, self-sacrificing life 
be an inspiration to every true christian, and 
may the influence of his holy efforts in the 
cause of our beloved Master be felt and per- 
petuated until the kingdom of this world shall 
become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ. 



36 
CHAPTER III. 

Self-help and Care for others. — Business Career.— Aptitude in 
Worldly Endeavor. — Way opens for Future Success. — Relig- 
ious Work while in Business. — An Offer of Higher Wages, 
— A Call in another Direction. — Weighing the Matter.— 
" Three Days in the Tomb." — Decision.— Baptism of the 
Spirit. — The Gift of Faith. 

Having improved the opportunities that 
were offered in his boyhood life, for attending 
school, and having reached the grade of the 
high school in education and self-improvement, 
the force of circumstances now imposed another 
question upon his young and thoughtful mind. 
It was that of financial self-support, and the 
necessity of aiding in the care and maintenance 
of the large family to which he belonged ; and 
to whose support he must now contribute more 
than ordinarily falls to the lot of a boy, because 
of the financial losses and affliction that had in 
the mean time come to the family. 

For the duty of self-support and care for 
others, he willingly left his school with its dear 
associations and privileges to engage, so young, 
in the stern realities and labors of life. He 
had already formed habits of study and w T as 
impressed with the idea of self-improvement, 
and never left off his studious habits. In after 
life he carried books with him and improved 
leisure moments in reading and study ; Dut his 



37 

school advantages were now at an end and he 
must turn to account his knowledge and strength 
to make them count in a more material form. 

After leaving school Henry engaged for a 
time in farming fields rented by his father, 
who had now abandoned all mercantile pursuits 
to engage in the tillage of fields in the suburbs 
of the town. Serving thus at farming and 
other hard labors until the Spring of 1877, 
having attained the age of nineteen, he left the 
parental roof for the first time, to try his for- 
tune elsewhere and in another line of business 
pursuits. 

He first went to Glendale, Ohio, where he 
engaged as a clerk in a bakery for a short time. 
He next went to Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton County, 
Ohio, where he was employed as head clerk in 
the store of Henry Moser, one of the largest 
dry goods and general variety establishments 
of the place. 

While at this place he had a Sunday-school 
class of grown persona and helped to take 
charge of the church music. Here he organ- 
ized a society of the Y. M. C. A. and became 
its president. In many ways he assisted Pastor 
McLean in both town and country work. The 
work of the Lord was greatly revived during 
his stay. Asa token of esteem in -which he 



38 

was here held, and in appreciation of his labors 
for this class, he was presented with a beautiful 
gold pea and holder. In the Winter of 1878, 
just before the holidays, he returned to his 
parental home at Ashland, Ohio, Here he 
engaged as a clerk for Mr, E. Sepper, a dry 
goods merchant of that place, until after the 
rush of the holiday trade, when he was em- 
ployed to write in the office of Probate Judge, 
at the Court House. 

In the Spring of 1879, he once more put his 
hands to the plow, and together ^yith his brother 
George W.. who was then a boy of 15 years, 
engaged in farming in the suburbs of Ashland. 
This was his last experience in farming. His 
father was now a helpless invalid. After this 
Henry began clerking for Mr. Worst in a 
grocery in Ashland, which afterwards became 
a large grocery and boarding house, known as 
the Centennial Store, with Mr. Austin as part- 
ner In this Henry was given charge of the 
most important business, such as receiving and 
marking goods, making arrangements, etc. 
This position he held for some considerable 
time until he resigned. He had by this time 
become a very successful clerk and salesman, 
and now many good offers were presenting 
themselves for his acceptance in the commercial 



89 

world. In the Summer of 1880, he went to 
Cleveland, where he was employed for about a 
year as a book-keeper in a coal firm. After- 
wards he took a position as a commercial trav- 
eler and salesman for the firm of Z. A. & R. 
Montgomery, manufacturers of woolen goods, 
at the Salineville Woolen Mills. 

While at Cleveland and elsewhere, engaged 
in business, his love for the Lord's work was 
manifest, and in many w^ays he sought and 
found opportunities for christian work. In the 
Y. M. C. A. of Cleveland he found a delightful 
sphere of christian activity, and in many ways 
was employed by the association in its work of 
holding meetings, visiting almshouses, infirm- 
aries, the docks, and in its general work and 
labor of love* When employed as a traveling 
salesman, it is said that young Willis would 
buy up his opportunities to work for the Lord. 
While on the road he sometimes would do in 
sixteen days, the work of twenty-four, so that 
he might spend the other eight days in special 
service for the great Master. Doing all this 
religious work and yet all the while prosecut- 
ing his business so thoroughly that his services 
were constantly in demand and opportunities 
for higher wages and better positions were pre- 
senting their tempting offers. 



40 

While prospering in a financial and business 
way, he never forgot to send largely of his 
earnings to parents at home, whose main sup- 
port he had now become. He was ever a dutiful 
son and labored without a murmur or complaint; 
not alone for self care, but gave most of his 
earnings for the care of others. 

While thus demonstrating his aptitude for 
worldly success and endeavor, earning good 
wages as a commercial traveler and doing iri 
the meantime as much work, for Christ as it 
was possible for one to do situated in like cir- 
cumstances. He was beginning to feel, more 
and more, the claims of God upon him, as a 
chosen worker, and that these claims could not 
be set aside by anything less than to give him- 
self and his whole time to the service of the 
Lord. The call sounded louder and it became 
evident that God had marked out for him, a 
different line of operation from that which he 
had chosen for himself and upon which he 
was now entering so successfully and for which 
he seemed, in every way, so well adapted, 

It was about this time that he received a 
call from a firm in Pittsburg, Ta., with an offer 
of $500 per year more than he was now receiv- 
ing. He went to that city to negotiate w T ith 
the parties, and to engage in answer to the calls 



41 

of business, But the impression of a call in 
another direction was growing deeper, and the 
fact that God had set him apart for himself was 
becoming more evident to his own mind. He 
could not rest and went to his hotel, but he 
became so worried that he was sick and pros- 
trated. At this hotel, in his room, for three 
days the struggle went on. He was fighting 
the battle with God's special claim, and it was 
soon to be decided who should win in the strife. 
The call of a business career was before him 
with its offer. His father was an invalid and 
moneyless, and he was now largely responsible 
for the care of the family at home. To give 
up business and engage for Christ was the 
impulse of conscience and the voice of God. 
It might bring with it its poverty and weight 
of persecution and great things to be suffered 
for the name of Christ. But in this three days 
of awful struggle and self examination, which 
he afterwards characterized as his " three days 
in the tomb/ 5 the Lord triumphed gloriously. 
Young Willis surrendered to do the whole will 
of his heavenly Father, even to giving himself 
and his time entirely to his divine service ; to 
go anywhere, to be any tl. ing or to do anything 
at the command of the Savior. ~No sooner was 
the decision made than the Holy Spirit came 



42 

upon hiin in pentaeostal power and he received 
the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of 
Christ. He was filled with the Spirit — every 
chamber and court of his being. A special 
baptism for the work of the Lord had been 
given him, and now he felt himself in harmony 
with God and ready to obey. He felt however 
that there was one blessing which he might yet 
receive from God that would equip him for a 
life of soul-saving, and that was what he called 
the "gift of faith"; for this he earnestly, 
besought God, struggling all night in prayer. 
Toward morning, like wrestling Jacob? he had 
gotten the victory and prevailed. He was 
assured that to him was given a power of faith 
which was not the heritage of every true disci- 
ple, but which he like many especially equipped 
for God's work, had now received, exalting his 
soul into a realm where it had an unusual 
degree of power with God to prevail, and 
procure promised blessings, and also to have 
extraordinary power over spirits and spiritual 
influences. His faith ever afterwards was won- 
derful. He could now trust God fully and 
take him at his word, nothing doubting. It 
w r as ask, believe, receive. To seek was to find, 
to ask was to have confidence that he had the 
petition desired of him. Ever after this, the 



43 

gift of faith,, in this sense, he claimed as a pos- 
session, and which in certain states of mind, 
clothed him with almost irresistible power. Of 
this power w r e shall have occasion to speak in 
a subsequent chapter* He was from this time 
in the Lord's hands subject to orders from the 
King: of heaven. 



c> 



CHAPTER IV, 

Heady for Datg in the Lord's Werk.—Aid in the Tabernach 
Work — Decides to be an Evangelist— Fields Open. — Past 
Experience Beneficial. — Mudimn, UnionviUe and Geneva. — 
A Striking Incidents- Call to Hold a Camp Meeting. — Call 
to Secretaryship of Y+ M. C. A.--— Licensed to Exhort and 
Commended by the Church. 

Having fully decided the great question of 
his life-work and concluded to forego the pleas- 
ures and profits of a business career to engage 
entirely in christian work, the Lord led him in 
a plain path and soon revealed to him that he 
must go forth and hold meetings as a traveling 
evangelist, to work for immediate results in 
soul-saving. This call he now gladly accepts 
and in this work he already had considerable 
experience. When yet in business and a mem- 
ber of the Y. M. C, A, of Cleveland, he was 
often sent out as we have seen, in the work 
of conducting revival services :n various parts 



44 

of the city, and towns adjacent ; where it at 
once became apparent that he was especially 
adapted to conduct bible readings and hold 
Gospel meetings, to the saving of many souls. 

In the People's Tabernacle of Cleveland he 
had often aided the Pastor in his Gospel work, 
and by whom he was highly prized as a young 
man of earnest deeds, ability and burning zeal 
in the cause of Christ. In a letter written after 
hearing ot the death of Bro. Willis, the Rev. 
Vm, Johnson, pastor of the People's Taberna- 
cle wrote saying : 

" My acquaintance with dear Harry was 
quite intimate when he was here in the city, 
and I esteemed him very highly. He seemed 
to be such an earnest, consecrated young 
man that I was much drawn to him. He 
often helped me in my tabernacle work, and 
always seemed to be full of faith and Holy 
Spirit, and ready for any work the Master 
should indicate. I had marked out for my dear 
young brother a life of great usefulness. And 
so, of course, was shocked to hear of his early 
death in a foreign land." 

Being set apart of the Lord and anointed 
for his special work, and it being known to 
some extent that his services as a young chris- 
tian worker and evangelist were available, the 



45 

fields soon began to open before him. The 
guiding hand of Jehovah was evident in open- 
ing the way, a fact that always holds true, that 
when God has a work for us to do we may be 
sure that he will open the way for us to enter. 
Thus it was for the young and boy-like evan- 
gelist, Harry Willis. As soon as he was ready 
for duty the way opened for earnest work, and 
toward the latter part of 1880, he received and 
accepted an invitation to assist in holding a 
meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Madison, Lake Co., Ohio. This providential 
. opening and introduction of Brother Willis into 
the evangelistic work is described by the pastor, 
Rev. J, K, Shaffer, in the following words: 
" My first acquaintance with Bro. H. M. Willis 
was at Painsville, Lake Co., Ohio, in the 

Autumn ot 1880. Mrs, R was holding 

service in Bro. Day's Church, and I had gone 
up to attend it, I did not notice him in the 
congregation although he was there. In the 

CD CD CD 

morning at the station two young men entered, 
one a lawyer and the other Harry Willis, Here 
I was introduced to him. He was then engaged 
in other business. Dr. Sheridan Baker was 
coming to Madison and we needed some one to 
conduct the singing. Apparently by accident 
(but providentially) I found out that he could 



46 

play and sing. He was what I wanted and I 
invited him to Madison. He consen ted ; the day 
was set. At the appointed time I started to 
the station and met him on the side-walk. I can 
never forget him. Her wore a jaunty little blue 
felt hat, his gossimer thrown loosely around his 
shoulders and a grip-sack in his hand. His 
beautiful young face and sparkling eyes were 
very impressive. At first he seemed timid but 
that soon wore away* He became s companion 
for the children and they were delighted with 
him. Until this day they speak of Harry 
Willis &s their ideal. Little Charlie says? 
' Nobody could jump as far as Harry Willi**/ 
It is scarcely needful ta say that the meeting 
was a great success. About eighty or ninety 
profested religion, and the church from a low 
&tate was greatly quickened and has been grow- 
ing in influence since. This was Dr, Baker's 
first acquaintance with him, and he ever after 
held him in high esteem. The good people of 
Madison remember him affectionately and often 
speak of him as the * Boy Evangelist/ " 

His next work was with the same pastor at 
Unionville, Ohio, a beautiful little town exactly 
on the line of Lake and Ashtabula Counties. 
At this place it was soon evident that the Lord 
was with him and that he went not out to battle 



47 

in his own strength, for it was soon seen that 
the work was progressing and that there was a 
mighty outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord 
upon the church and people. Under date of 
February 2d, he was enabled to write to his 
mother, saying : " The altar and sometimes six 
or eight seats around it were filled with people 
seeking Christ and a clean heart. The work 
prospers and w^e are having mighty outpourings 
of the Holy Ghost." And in the same letter 
he says " It was a trial of my faith to give up 
a good position and take my chances in this 
work; but now I do not fear in the least. I have 
gotten over all worry and am going to leave 
all in the hands of the Lord. I am not afraid, 
but feel sure that he will take care of us all." 

These meetings grew in interest from day 
to day, and under the blessing of God many 
were drawn to Christ and saved, 

Mr. Willis here proved himself an earnest, 
able worker, drawing friends to himself, only 
to tell them of Christ and his saving power. 
The church, through his efforts was greatly 
revived and strengthened, and many young 
people and others were saved and led to join in 
the work of the Lord. 

In all this great work he was not without 
some trials and opposition. It was here that 



48 

one man swore that he w mid break up the 
meeting and carry the evangelist out of doors, 
and with a number of his boon companions 
came one night, evidently for that purpose; but 
the difficulty was more easily met than many 
imagined, Mr. Willis eaw his man come into 
the church and with a courageous and loving 
heart ran down the aisle and threw his arms 
around his neck. The man immediately broke 
down weeping, and was led by the evangelist 
to the altar where he adjusted all matters with 
God and was soon gloriously converted. Hia 
antagonism was all gone and he had nothing 
more pleasing now than to join in the great 
work of the meeting, in bringing souls to 
Christ.. Another conversion of the meeting 
was of remarkable interest. A wealthy infidel, 
from some cause, had offered $25 to Mr. Willis if 
he would come to the place and hold a meeting. 
As the work went on this man got under con- 
viction, and had no peace or rest. He went 
away to Cleveland, seeking rest and relief from 
his distress of soul but found none. He was 
drawn to the meetings, could not stay away, 
came back to the service and went to the altar, 
where he earnestly sought and found that peace 
which the world can neither give nor take 
away. Afterwards he testified that when away 



49 

he could hardly wait to get back to the meet- 
ing and °;et to the altar, that he might find his 
mother's God. After this he was ready to give 
another $25 to carry on the work. Thus God 
wrought mightily and in this early meeting 
crowned the labors of his servant with abund- 
ant success. A further description of this meet- 
ing we here give from the pen of Pastor Shatter, 
as follows : 

" At the close of our meeting at Madison 
we went next to Unionville. Dr. Baker went 
home. Bro. Willis attended a meeting of the 
Y. M. C. A. at Toledo, but with a promise of 
return. As the opening was favorable he came 
on and we held another blessed meeting. About 
ninety professed religion here. He led the 
meeting mostly himself. It reached old and 
young, big and little, families and individuals, 
the back-slider and the church-member, the 
moralist and the drunkard. A number of 
young men and women were saved. Some have 
since gone to heaven. The children were greatly 
delighted with their meeting and many pro- 
fessed conversion ; indeed the whole town was 
revolutionized. At Unionville, Brother Willis 
remained most ot the summer with Brother 
Lucian Gail, who became his fast friend . I never 
saw a man more knit to another; it was Jonathan 



50 

and David again. He prepared him a room in 
his own home, beautifully furnished with hang- 
ing lamp, carpeted, bed, organ and book ease. 
Here Harry stayed during the summer. The 
only condition was that he would occupy this as 
a home. He enjoyed it greatly and studied and 
rested, which he much needed. The people gave 
him a handsome donation and many beautiful 
presents, as an illustration of how affectionately 
he was held. When he left, Brother Gail came 
into his room and sat in the chair in which 
Harry used to sit and wept like a child. May 
two such friends meet together in heaven and 
dwell forever by the throne of God. Oh how 
he loved him, no word could tell it, his soul 
seemed to be wrapped up in that young man." 
After this meeting at Unionville many invi- 
tations began to come to him to hold meetings 
and conduct revivals in various parts of the 
country. The churches seemed glad to welcome 
any one who had the Soul-Saving power and 
who under God could arouse religious interest ~ 
and enlist the public attention. To some the 
propriety of evangelistic aid is not clear, and 
some pastors would forbid them. But 1he 
churches were hungry and wanted revivals, and 
would welcome any agency that God might 
raise up to win souls to Christ* Among other 



51 

places that now opened lo Mr* Willis to hold 
special revival services, was the M. E. Church 
at North Geneva, Ohio. 

Here he began meetings about the first week 
in April, and continued seventeen days, closing 
on the 20th of the month. At this meeting 
Mr. Willis worked so hard that his strength 
failed him, and on account of which the ser- 
vices were closed much sooner than otherwise 
they would have been. He had not yet learned 
to husband his strength and to suitably adjust 
himself so as to endure the great labor demanded 
for a long seige of revival work* But success 
gloriously crowned the effort and 51 professed 
salvation, while to his mind it w^as clear that 
many more were within easy reach if the meet- 
ings could be continued. But on the last even- 
ing the evangelist was compelled by lack of 
strength to sit in his chair and conduct the 
services. And must seek the needed health for 
other opening fields of labor before him. From 
Geneva Mr Willis now returned to Unionville, 
where in a few days his health and strength 
much improved. 

He is now solicited to remain at TTnionville 
and assist the pastor, Rev. J. E. Shaffer, for 
the remainder of the conference year, which it 
appears that he concluded to do, and for three 



52 

months was among the Unionville people, 
working, exhorting, lecturing, holding bible 
meetings and spending most of his time in 
study and preparing for his greater evangelistic 
work that he knew was just before him. Here, 
like John the Baptist, he was preparing to go 
forth to call men to immediate repentance. 
Here he had a delightful home and already had 
many friends warmly attached to him since the 
meetings held here in the February previous. 

While located here many invitations kept 
pouring in upon him for his services as an 
evangelist and christian worker. One of these 
was to the state secretaryship of the Y. M. C. A. 

Among others a request was one to hold a 
camp-meeting at Thomson Ledge, a most beau- 
tiful and picturesque place in Ashtabula County, 
eight miles from Unionville. But having on 
his hands the work at Unionville, and desiring 
to prepare himself for the Fall and Winter 
campaign as a regular evangelist, tie undertook 
but little outside work during the Summer, 
and remained for the most part at Unionville, 
where he was amply supported by voluntary 
contributions of church and outside people. 
And at the close of his Summer work among 
them (about July 20, 1882) a splendid reception 



53 

and donation was given him at the residence 
of Mr. and Mrs. Warner. 

A correspondent of one of the papers writes 
of this reception : " He had by his earnestness, 
consistency, and geniality, endeared himself to 
a host of friends and admirers, who desired to 
express, in some material way, their respect and 
appreciation. As a slight token of esteem over 
forty dollars in cash were handed in. Besides 
the cash some valuable presents were made. 
Mrs. Hopper, though absent in Cleveland, sent 
ten dollars. Geo. W. Law T ton donated a com- 
plete set of Channing's w r orks, also a number 
of other very handsomely bound books, making 
eighteen volumes in all. Most bountiful and 
excellent refreshments- were provided, and over 
one hundred were present. The best wishes 
of the whole community go w r ith Brother 
Willis to his new fields of labor." 

At this place Mr. Willis was recognized by 
the church as having gifts and graces for the 
Lord's work and was given license to exhort 
and exercise his gifts under the authority of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first 
license was dated July 25, 1882, and signed by 
J. K. Shaffer, P. C. at the Unionville charge, 
Cleveland District, East Ohio Conferenee. 



54 
CHAPTER V. 

Camp-meeting at Lakeside, Ohio.— Enjoys Meetings conducted 
by Rev. Thos. Harrison —-Meets Miss Anna Ruddick, an 
Evangelist. — Like Spirits. — Like Work. — They Vow to 
Agree. — Two Engagements, one to be Married, another to 
conduct a Revival Meeting.-— Is Married.— Two Evangelists 
Unite for one Work. 

From his Summer engagement at Union- 
ville, Ohio, about August 1, 1882, he goes to 
Lakeside to enjoy the great camp-meeting to 
be held there at that time. For this meeting 
the services of Rev. Thomas Harrison, evangel- 
ist, had been secured. Already Mr. Harrison 
had become distinguished as one of the greatest 
soul-winners of the day. Everybody was anx- 
ious to see and hear him. Thousands came to 
Lakeside to enjoy the meeting under the great 
evangelist. Some came to see and enjoy, others 
to work and learn Many persons wanted to 
see how souls were won, and how the masses 
of the unsaved could be saved so soon to the 
cause ot the Lord. The meetings under Mr. 
Harrison were full of power from the very 
beginning. The high expectation that had been 
raised concerning his influence and work was 
fully met. Lakeside never before had enjoyed 
such a tidal wave of salvation. Conversions 
took place daily and in a few days hundreds 
were saved. The whole Tabernacle was some- 



55 

times converted into an altar for seeking souls* 
On one Sabbath morning the interest in seekers 
began in the love feast, and became so great that 
the work of praying with souls desiring to be 
saved could not be remitted even to allow the 
regular preaching at eleven o'clock ; but the 
altar services went on uninterrupted till after 
the noon hour. 

No one attending these meetings, and co-op- 
erating in the work, was a more interested 
observer than Mr. Willis. He studied the 
philosophy of the work, and day by day he 
drank in the spirit of the genius who, under 
the power of the Holy Ghost, had set in motion, 
forces that resulted in such a wonderful religi- 
ous movement. Here he beheld and studied 
closely the work of a master workman. It was 
indeed a school of instruction. He was a 
learner in the work of soul-winning, and from 
these meetings he, no doubt, derived an impulse 
and an inspiration that was to have its influ- 
ence upon him in all his future work. He ever 
afterwards looked upon Mr. Harrison as the 
ideal of his class, as well as the original of a 
type and style of evangelists which afterwards 
appeared in the fields of the world. 

While thus Brother Willis was enjoying 
and profiting by these meetings, another one 



56 

alike interested in the Lord's work, was on the 
ground taking part ; and becoming more or less 
prominent in the meetings, and especially in 
the department of the young peoples work. 

This was Miss Anna Ruddick, daughter of 
Rev. C. E. Rudclick of the North Ohio Confer- 
ence. She had come to the camp-meeting fresh 
from fields of Christian usefulness, and here 
her light could not be hid. The young chris- 
tian workers coming from different parts of the 
country, soon were made acquainted with each 
other. In these meetings, amid these hallowed 
associations, Mr. Willis and Miss Ruddick met 
for the first time. They were like spirits, and 
their deep sympathies were the same in the 
one great work of God in the earth. They 
often met here in the christian work of the 
young people. Their acquaintance was mut- 
ually cultivated, and before the camp-meeting 
closed an attachment had sprung up between 
them never to be broken. From this time 
their acquaintance was kept up, and their 
hearts were indeed joined together. 

After much pure and hallowed association 
together, and after much prayer on the part of 
both, it became evident to their own minds that 
God had intended them for each other, in the 
journey and work of life. It was a subject of 



deep consideration and devout prayer. They 
would not enter into the marriage relation 
unless it would be reverently, discreetly, and 
in the fear of God. After becoming satisfied 
that it was the will of the Lord, believing that 
God would bless their union to the furtherence 
of his cause, they vow to agree, and an engage- 
ment is made which is solemnly kept. 

After Lakeside camp-meeting Mr. Willis 
retires to his old head-quarters in Cleveland for 
a few days, where among others he receives an 
invitation to hold a meeting at Andover, Ohio, 
a village in Ashtabula County. This he accepts 
and engages to commence services there in the 
following October. Until that date no other 
work is undertaken, Mr. Willis now reserves 
a- few weeks to himself. These he spends 
among friends visiting for the most part, at his 
old home in Ashland, Ohio, during which time 
he attends the session of the East Ohio Confer- 
ence, held at New Philadelphia, Ohio, within 
the bounds of which he had labored in his 
evangelistic and pastoral labors during the 
Summer. Here he received many invitations 
to evangelistic work and the way more clearly 
opens before him. The Lord leads in a plain 
path, 



58 

Two engagements are already made, and 
with much fidelity he is preparing to fulfil 
them. The time arrives for the consummation 
of his marriage engagement w T ith Miss Ruddick, 
This important event takes place, according to 
previous arrangement, and Henry Willis is 
married to Miss Anna Ruddick, at the resi- 
dence of the bride's parents, by Rev. C. E. 
Ruddick, father of the bride, at Republic, Ohio, 
October 12, 1882. They were now no more 
twain but one flesh and their work should 
henceforth be one. They were to engage 
together in the same service and under the 
same yoke. For ten days before the marriage 
they spent a great part of the time on their 
knees praying God's blessing on their proposed 
union, and that he would make them great 
soul-winners together. They take for their 
special promise through life T the words of 
Christ : " Again I say unto you, that if two of 
you shall agree on earth as touching anything 
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them 
of my Father, which is in heaven." God 
answered their prayer by giving them great 
success. 



59 
CHAPTER VL 

A Leaf from his Wife's History. — Her Birth. — Parentage.— 
Early Education. — Religious Experience.— Missionary Ten* 
■dencies. — Evangelistic Work. — Great success in Soul-Saving. 
—Called the (h'rl Preacher.— Missionary Opportunities.— 
The Mai riage. 

Miss Anna Ruddick, whose marriage to 
Rev. H. M. Willis we have just noted, was 
born in Philadelphia, Pa., in the latter part of 
the year 1861. She was the oldest of four chil- 
dren, having two sisters, Ida and Lily, and a 
brother, Charlie, who died in infancy. Her 
Father was born in New York, in 1837, and her 
mother whose maiden name was Read, was 
born in New Jersey, in 1838. They w r ere united 
in marriage in the year 1860, in the city of 
Philadelphia, by the Rev. Jas. E. Merideth, of 
the Philadelphia Conference. Her father is a 
minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
the North Ohio Conference. He is a very 
active and untiring worker, and has been dis- 
tinguished everywhere as very successful in 
winning souls. His present charge is at Mt, 
Hope, Holmes County, Ohio, 

Anna's mother is a most devout and pious 
woman, and enjoys the full confidence and love 
of her household. Her influence and example 
have had great weight in moulding the charac- 



60 

ter and religious life of her children. Anna 
would make special mention of her own early 
christian training, by faithful parents, as a 
factor in her preparation for future usefulness. 
From early life she was taught the principles 
of the christian faith, both by precept and 
example, and early learned to pray and love 
God. At the age of twelve she openly sought 
and found the Saviour and was sweetly con- 
verted. Some years before, her mother had 
attended a camp-meeting at Urbana, Ohio, 
where, under the labors of Alfred Cookman, 
she experienced the blessing of holiness. After 
her own conversion, Anna noticed a great 
difference between her mother's experience and 
her own. She herself, sometimes, gave away 
to impatience and anger. Her mother did not 7 
but was ever cool and self-poised, with every 
power and passion under control. Anna thought 
a higher experience for herself was attainable 
and accordingly sought after it with all her 
heart. At about the age of fifteen, after a 
great struggle with herself, she was enabled to 
make a full consecration of all to God, as com- 
plete as any one could make in older life. She 
laid her young life, ambitions and hopes, tal- 
ents and will on the altar, and felt assured that 
the altar sanctified the gift. From early life 



61 

she talked of being a missionary when she 
should grow up, and anxiously waited for that 
time to come, With her full consecration there 
came a longing desire to do something imme- 
diately, and accordingly, she began doing 
whatever her hands found to do. The Master 
gave her little things to do here and there, and 
she found that in obedience was perfect peace. 
About this time she attended a revival 
meeting at Berea, Ohio. One evening the pas- 
tor urged christians to go back in the congre- 
gation and work among the unconverted. She 
accordingly went down one of the aisles, trem- 
bling and feeling that she had no message for 
any one; but noticing a crowd of young 
students w 7 ho appeared anything but serious, 
she stepped up to one and simply said " The 
harvest is great but the laborers are few," and 
turned away confused and troubled, and was 
told by Satan that she had made a dunce of 
herself. She went to her knees in prayer and 
<cast her burden on the Lord. Some years after- 
wards while attending a camp-meeting a gen- 
tleman greeted her with a glad smile and asked 
her if she remembered speaking to a young 
student and simply saying, " The harvest is 
great and the laborers are few ? " She told him 
that she well remembered it. He said that he 



62 

Was that young man, and that those words had 
led him to Christ. He had now become a min- 
ister of the Gospel, with a charge in the West 
where he had just had a great revival, leading 
many souls to Christ. 

Between the age of fifteen and sixteen, Miss; 
Ruddick first entered the evangelistic work. 
The occasion which called her forth into the 
work and opened the way, was a seeming neces- 
sity, and quite providential. Some gentlemen 
living about twenty miles east of Cleveland 
had called on her father to see if he could not 
go and hold a meeting in the church of which 
they were members. But her father was just 
recovering from a severe illness and of course? 
could not go. Anna had been in her room 
praying for God to give her some special work 
to do for him ; and when she found that these 
men must return without any help a strange 
inspiration seized her to go. She put the ques- 
tion to her father : of course he was astonished 
but did not dare to say no. She went with the 
men and that evening stood up for the first time 
before a congregation a& a public speaker, tak- 
ing for a lesson the first chapter of Galatians, 
The power of the Lord came down, sinners 
trembled, and believers were stirred and a great 
revival followed. 



63 

Not long after this meeting closed, Miss 
Ruddick received a call to Crawford County, 
Ohio, and together with Mrs. Foote, an evan- 
gelist, worked in the Sw r ail Church successfully. 
God blessed their labors abundantly. From 
there she went with her papa, to the Swamp 
Church, but he remained only a few days, leav- 
ing Anna to carry on the meetings. She was 
equipped with the might of God : night after 
night the church was crowded. The altar w r as 
filled with seekers for pardon and seekers for 
heart purity. In writing of those times in 
after years she says,, " As I look back on those 
days it seems as though I knew very little 
about myself, and I lived more in heaven than 
on earth, I seemed carried along by a wonder- 
ful inspiration, God filled my mouth with 
messages and honored his own word. Glory 
to the Father and to the Son and to the 
Holy Ghost. People began calling me the girl 
preacher, but what mattered it to me what I 
was called so that souls were saved," 

After a short visit at home she next went 
to labor in the M. E. Church at Ripley, Ohio, 
with Rev, Charles Russel, pastor. It was. a 
repetition of the previous meeting just held, 
only greater in results. The church was con- 
tinually crowded at the night meetings and 



64 

people poured in from miles around to the 
house of God 5 until there was not standing 
room. Ministers were sanctified, long standing 
quarrels were made up, the church was revived 
and in about eighteen days some 150 were 
gloriously saved. 

Her next engagement was with the Ripley 
Congregational Church, Rev. A. Leonard pas- 
tor, who had received the fullness of the bless- 
ing at the previous meetings. In writing of 
this meeting afterwards she stated that " It 
exceeded all the previous ones in power and 
results." The space between the first pew and 
the rostrum was so crowded with seekers that 
there was hardly room to work among them. 
Then followed engagements at Greenwich, New 
London, Shiloh, etc., all in Ohio. 

When about seventeen, she became im- 
pressed that she could do more for the Master 
if she had a better education and accordingly 
attended school at Baldwin University, Berea? 
Ohio. When Anna reached the age of nine- 
teen, her father was sent to Sand Ridge Circuit? 
North Ohio Conference. From this time she 
remained at home with the exception of hold- 
ing two or three meetings, assisting her father? 
and in pursuing her studies until the happy 
marriage with Mr. Willis, evangelist, with 
whom she again entered the field. 



65 

The Missionary impulse followed her from 
childhood, and at a State camp-meeting, held 
at Mansfield, Ohio, when she was about sixteen, 
she met for the first time, Rev. Wrm Taylor^ 
now Bishop, who observed her spirit and took 
her name for his future Missionary work. She 
has ever since entertained the most tender 
regards for Wm. Taylor. A pleasant corres- 
pondence afterwards was had between them 
until she, with her husband, engaged with him 
in the great enterprise of evangelizing Central 
and Southern Africa. 

When a girl, about eighteen, the way also 
began to open for her in India, Dr\ Thoburn 
had become acquainted with her and desired 
that she would go with him to India to engage 
there in evangelistic work, and he thought 
that the way would be open in about two years 
from that time. When the time came she 
received a letter from Mrs. Gen. Cowen, of 
Delaware, Ohio, sister-in-law of Dr* Thoburn^ 
stating that the way was open and that they 
were ready for her to go to India, but at about 
that time she was married to Mr* Willis, an 
evangelist, who expected to labor in this coun- 
try. And consequently for the present, at 
least, her life was turned in a different channel 
from that of the foreign work. 



68 
CHAPTER Vir. 

First Revival Service after Marriage. — They Two lay siege io 
Andover. — Both ends of the Yoke Sustained. — -Woman is a 
help-meet for Man. — ■ The Work owned of the Lord. — A 

Wonderful Meeting. — WILL IAMSFIELD ; A Short 
Meeting with deep Interest. — 62 Conversions. -^Church greatly 
Strengthened. —~ OR WELL ; Grand Success. — Earnest 

Work —Lord with his People.— r Mighty to Save. — Nearly 
300 saved in 16 Days —Time of Refreshing.— Infidel Club 
Converted.— SPARTA ; Deep Feeling. — People Confounded 
-—Awful Struggle.— Wrestling in Prayer.— Grand Victory. 
— A Hard Case.-^Blessing in the Morning. — Christmas 
Day.— Powerful Sermon on " Strive:'— End of 1882. 

This engagement with Miss Ruddick now 
having been fulfilled, another that Mr. Willis 
had previously made with the M. E. Church at 
Andover, Ohio^ to hold a revival series required 
a like fidelity. 

Having now formed a substantial alliance 
with one experienced in the field of evangelistic 
endeavor and one in every way prepared to be 
a " help-meet for man/' in full sympathy with 
the work of Soul-Saving he feels himself 
re-enforced and strengthened for the work 
before him, and is now all the better prepared 
to fulfil his engagements with the Church at 
Andover. No time is to be lost, " the King's 
business requires haste.'* Married at 12.30 P» 
M., and that very evening at six o'clock, accom- 
panied by his bride, he starts for the field of 



revival work at Andover, in Ashtabula Co., 
Ohio. Arriving there according to previous 
arrangements, they were warmly received, and 
held their first meeting on the evening after 
arrival. Mr. Willis has now a true helper for 
this and for all his future work. For the most 
part he does the preaching and has charge of 
all the services, not excepting the singing* 
Mrs. Willis presides at the organ, seconds all 
the movements ordered by Mr* Willis and 
frequently conducts the afternoon meetings, 
and occasionally delivers talks and addresses 
through the meetings at other times* Where 
the stern and hard truths spoken by Mr. Willis 
sometimes wounds and afflicts, exposing sin 
and reproving wrong, the sweet accents of Mrs* 
Willis' voice easily point the Way to the great 
remedy for sin* And the rough places are 
made smooth and the crooked paths made 
straight and the work moves rapidly on. 

At Andover the people are at once attracted* 
Mr. and Mrs. Willis entered the work with 
the highest expectations of victory. The Spirit 
of the Lord is manifestly present from the 
beginning. The community is stirred and the 
meetings grow in interest* The excellent revi- 
val music has no small part in the success of 
the work. A choice selection of one hundred 



68 

revival hymns arranged by Prof. T. C. 0*ltane 5 
called " Songs of Praises," and used in all the 
services of Mr, Willis, and rendered by the 
evangelist^ soon became familiar and were sung 
with spirit and enthusiasm by the congrega- 
tion, until they became a most attractive and 
inspiring part of the meeting. With much 
enthusiasm the w T ork moves on, the revival 
spirit prevails, barriers are swept away, sinners 
are awakened and many precious souls are 
saved, A glorious victory in a very few days 
is wrought in the name of the Lord. Mr. Willis 
and wife are now ready for another place of work 
and on invitation, proceeded to Williamsfield^ 
Ohio, a small town a few miles South, and in 
the same county, where they had just been 
engaged. On October 31, 1882, work is begun 
and meetings held daily except Saturdays until 
the 19th of November. At this place the suc- 
cess in souhsaving is still more signal. Almost 
from the beginning seekers began to present 
themselves, and conversions were reported daily 
and sometimes as high as twelve in a day* 
During this meeting on one Sabbath afternoon 
they went to Wayne, a small village near by, 
W T here Mr. Willis preached one sermon and 
held one service in the M» E. Church, when 
eleven arose for praj'ers and five came to the 



69 

altar seeking Christ. Here they were solicited 
to stay and hold a meeting but decided not to 
do so. After a meeting of some eighteen days 
with continued success throughout, with con- 
versions almost daily, until in so small a place 
sixty-two conversions were reported. On Sab- 
bath evening these meetings are closed amid 
the prayers and tears of the many present at 
the services. A correspondent of a paper from 
Williamsfield writes, saying . " Mr. and Mrs. 
H. M. Willis, evangelists, have just closed a 
series of meetings at this place. They have 
done good work for Williamsfield. Many have 
been converted and the church has been greatlv 
revived and strengthened. They leave many 
warm friends and many an earnest prayer will 
go up that God may bless them in other fields 
of labor as he has in Williamsfield. They go 
to Orwell next to begin meetings there, from 
which place we expect to report good things." 
After a few days of rest and visiting among 
churches where they had held services, the 
church at Orwell, Ohio, is prepared for their com- 
ing. They commence November 29th, and lay 
siege to the citadel of sin and wage aggressive 
warfare in the name of Christ. For sixteen 
days the battle goes on, and each day, from the 
beginning, was a day of success for the Lord's 



70 

cause. At the end of five days Mr. Willis 
writes to his parents, saying "we have held 
meetings here five days and in that time over 
one hundred have expressed a desire to be 
saved, and about seventy-five of them have 
been converted, and besides about seventy-five 
have expressed a desire for a clean heart. We 
are having glorious times." In the same letter 
Mrs. Willis writes, saying " pray very often 
for us, God is using us for his glory for which 
we praise him." 

As these meetings went on there were some 
days of remarkable power, and demonstration 
of the spirit to reprove of sin and change the 
heart. On one evening an infidel club of an 
Eastern college hearing of the wonderful work 
that was going on under the evangelists, con- 
cluded that they would visit the meeting and 
accordingly sent word before hand that they 
were coming and wished Mr. Willis to meet 
them in debate after meeting. Without any 
promise however, on the part of Mr. Willis, 
one evening they arrived just after altar ser- 
vices had commenced. Mr Willis, as was his 
custom, was working his way through the con- 
gregation entreating the unconverted. People 
were falling upon their knees all over the 
church. The mighty power of God that could 



71 

not be resisted was on the congregation. There 
were seekers from the door at the front entrance 
to the pulpit, and the whole church was an 
altar and a house of prayer. In his work of 
personal invitation, the evangelist came to the 
leader of the infidel club, who w^as sitting in 
the back part of the house, and whispered in 
his ear "are you saved?" The young man 
commenced to debate. Mr. Willis fastened his 
strong, piercing, black eyes upon him and 
asked again "are you saved ? " The Holy Ghost 
had done his work of convincing and the young 
man fell on his knees crying for mercy and 
seeking salvation. Mr. Willis went on with 
the meeting inviting and urging others to be 
saved. After the regular meeting of the even- 
ing v had closed instead of a debate with the 
infidel club, an after meeting was held and 
they all came to the altar seeking pardon in 
the name of Christ: and the most of the num- 
ber were converted and went on their way 
rejoicing. Their spirit of debate was gone, the 
spirit of God had argued the case with each 
and won a signal victory. 

At another time during the progress of the 
meeting a very wicked man, who had not been 
to church for years, was disturbed on account 
of the Boy Evangelist w 7 ho was creating such 



72 

a stir in the community. His family had been 
attending the meetings and one daughter had 
just been converted. He was incensed and 
provoked to anger when he heard of it, and on 
a bitter cold night turned his whole family out 
of doors for attending the meeting. At last, 
stimulated by the excitement that was moving 
the town, and drawn by an unseen power, he 
concluded one evening to go himself to see and 
hear the celebrated evangelists. He did so, and 
all through the services listened attentively, 
but sat looking very morose and sullen. Mr. 
Willis' theme, that evening, was u Eternity." 
He had preached with great effect and people 
were falling on their knees all over the house* 
As Mr. Willis w r as working in the congregation 
he came to this man and whispered the one 
word " Eternity." The man looked up and 
said, " What did you say that to me for?" 
Mr. Willis answered by asking him, " Where 
will you spend it? " The man left the church 
in anger saying that he did not believe that 
there w T as any such a w r ord in the Bible and he 
was £oino; to find out whether what he had 
heard from the evangelist was true or not. He 
found an old Bible and for about a week shut 
himself up hunting for the w r ord Eternity. At 
last he found it, closed his Bible and went to 



73 

church again. All these days the Spirit of the 
Lord was contending with him for a full sur- 
render. And the word was nigh him even in 
his mouth, for he could not wait for the altar 
service but during the sermon he fell on his 
knees and was grandly converted. When Mr, 
Willis left the place this man followed him to 
the train and with tears thanked him for the 
change that the meeting had wrought in him. 

This was truly a wonderful meeting, and in 
the short space of about sixteen days it was 
estimated that nearly three hundred had been 
converted,, It was evident to 11 that the evan- 
gelists labored with great earnestness, thinking 
of nothing more than the work of the great 
Master. The opportunities for the evangelistic 
services of Mr, Willis and wife were not want- 
ing, but came in for greater numbers than they 
could fulfil, 

From Orwell they go to hold a meeting at 
Sparta, Ohio. Over this charge Rev. G-. F, 
Oliver was pastor, who was himself, a minister 
of no small revivalistic power, and a most earn- 
est worker for Christ, He invited to his aid 
Bro. Willis and wife, who joined him heartily 
in the work of saving the town and community. 
On December 19th, the evangelists arrived and 
the meeting began. The time is short ; for ten 



74 

days the work went on. From the beginning 
most earnest prayer was made and upon the 
first invitation over thirty knelt to be prayed 
for. The people were astonished, and wondered 
at the work that was going on. A mighty 
struggle followed, and a great wrestling in 
prayer was required, until another victory was 
gained, and day after day the work went on 
with glorious results. Many sought to see 
Jesus. Among the seekers was one, the hus- 
band of a christian wife, who said he knew he 
was lost ; and that he was the worst sinner that 
ever was. He wept, struggled, remained on 
his knees during three seasons of prayer. The 
struggle lasted all nicvht but the blessing came 
in the morning. The next day was Christmas 
and on that day he gave his hand to the church 
under the consciousness that the blood of Jesus 
cleanseth and can make the foulest clean. "His 
blood avails for me." 

" Though he was angry His anger is turned 
away and He comforteth me." The power of 
the Lord was displayed in converting and sanc- 
tifying grace throughout this meeting. Much 
emotion and weeping, expressive of deep feel- 
ing was often manifested, with result, corres- 
ponding to demonstrations made. On Sabbath 
morning,Decernber 31st, the pastor, Rev. Oliver, 



75 

preached a memorable sermon on i% strive." In 
the evening Mr. Willis, to a crowded house, 
delivered his last message to this people, from 
Rev. 3:21 ; a very remarkable experience meet- 
ing closed the services for the day, and for the 
meetings, and brings them to the close of the 
year 1882, 



CHAPTER VIII. 

liest at Ashland.— Engaged for Tiffin, Ohio.— The Preparation. 
■ — The work begun by Pastor. — Evangelists add fuel to the 
Flames. — It sweeps on. — Business men Visited.— Bell Bung 
und Prayers offered at 12.30 P. M. — Effects Electrical.— 
Power of God on the City. — Children's Meetings, Organiz- 
ing a Class of 300.— An old fashioned Demonstration of 
Power. — A strong man prostrated* — Overflow of attendance. 
— The work goes on until nearly 600 are saved.- — A marvell- 
ous work of God. — After the Revival:— Its work substantial, 
Conversions continue. — The church finished. — The promise 
of Bevival fulfilled. 

After a successful series of meetings closing 
at Sparta, Ohio, with the last night of the old 
year, Mr. Willis and wife spent a few days in 
rest and quiet with parents and friends at his 
old home in Ashland. 

His next engagement is with the M. E s 
Church at Tiffin, Ohio, Rev. J. S. Reager, pas- 
tor. The field was an important and inviting 
one. 



16 

Tiffin, is situated at the junction of the B. 
and 0. and I. B. and W. R. R., and in the old- 
est and one of the most beautiful districts of 
Seneca County, Ohio. It contains about 10,000 
inhabitants, and is one of the most interesting 
and important cities in Northern Ohio. The 
church in this place had grown with the city ; 
having a history since 1828, and now had a 
strong and substantial membership. This 
church edifice had several times been replaced 
by more convenient and more commodious 
house, until now they worship in a building, 
though incomplete, yet beautiful and of extra- 
ordinary size, and when completed, w r ould cost 
$50,000. At this time the audience room was 
unfinished, and the congregation worshipped 
in the lecture room below, which is said to have 
been one of the most comfortable in the state. 

Although this church had held its rank as 
one of the oldest and most influential churches 
of the place and had steadily grown ; and had 
undertaken the building of such a magnificent 
church, yet their membership scarcely exceeded 
two hundred and fifty. And very little of the 
revival spirit was manifested, nor had a genuine, 
wide spread revival been enjoyed for many 
years. The previous pastor struggled with the 
spiritual situation and the last pastor endeav- 



77 

ored to solve the revival problem by engaging 
the services of Rev. Thomas Harrison, the cele- 
brated evangelist, who had just then won a 
grand victory, in Cincinnati, Tiffin was to be 
his next field of operation. His coming was 
awaited with much eagerness and even impa- 
tience. He appeared at the appointed time 
fresh from a field of grand achievements, and 
labored for a few days only ; w T hen from sick- 
ness or lack of support, he lett the place to its 
fate and returned to his home in Boston. 

The next year brought Mr. Reager to the 
charge ; himself an untiring laborer in the line 
of revival work and soul-saving, He com- 
menced a meeting in November, 1882, and for 
nine w r eeks continued the work with more or 
less success^ winning a score or more to Christ, 
and prosecuted the work with commendable 
vigor. About January 8, 1883, evangelist 
Willis and wife are ready for duty at Tiffin, 
and report to the pastor, where they are very 
warmly and gladly received by Mr. Reager, 
w T ho felt indeed that the Lord had raised him 
up help in time of need. Re-enforced by the 
coming of this efficient help the battle against 
sin and wickedness is renewed, The presence 
in t<h<e meetings of Brother and Sister Willis, 
who came unheralded, except that the daily 



78 

papers announced the day before that Mr. and 
Mrs. Willis, evangelists, were to be in the city 
and would conduct the revival services at the 
St. Paul M. E. Church that Monday evening. 
It was enough, the house was full- A new 
impulse was given, fuel was added to the flames, 
Many expressed a desire for salvation and a 
number professed to be saved. Mr. Willis 
recorded in his diary of that day, savings 
" "Throat sore, hard work, fourteen for Christ, 
The people all very social and kind/ 7 

Day meetings are established, to be led 
mostly by Mrs. Willis, at 2.30 P. M. Also a 
children's meeting from four to five o'clock 
each afternoon. Mr. Willis and Pastor Reager 
spent the mornings in visiting and praying 
with the people, talking to business men in 
the stores and shops, exhorting and inviting 
them to Christ. The fire kindles more and 
more ; the interest increases and the work 
revives. The house was soon crowded from 
night to night until it was understood, that if 
one w^ould be sure of a seat he must go early. 
The spiritual results appeared as well as the 
crowds of people. On the third night of the 
meeting about fifty persons asked ior prayers, 
and thirty-four came forward to the altar. An 
old-fashioned Methodist time was experienced. 



79 

The next night witnessed a still greater display 
oi Pentecostal power The whole audience 
room was an altar, and in every part of the 
house persons were seeking for salvation. The 
christian people of the whole city were being 
awakened and began to fall in line with the 
great religious movement that had so auspi- 
ciously begun. On Friday evening of the first 
week, after five nights of earnest work more 
than one hundred adults had enlisted for Christ, 
besides scores of children reported in the chil- 
dren's meeting. The evangelists prayed for one 
hundred more to be converted during the com- 
ing Sabbath. On Saturday more ample provis- 
ions were made for seating the crowds that 
w T ere expected on the coming Sabbath. Ser- 
vices were announced to occupy a larger part 
of the day. An account of the first Sabbath 
services we clip from one of the Tiffin dailies : 
" Yesterday was a high day in Zion. At the 
morning hour a large audience listened to a 
sermon by the pastor. The prayer service con- 
ducted by the evangelist was a season of joy to 
hundreds of hearts. The children's meeting at 
four o clock was largely attended. More than 
a hundred children and youths bowed before 
God as seekers of pardon and many gave a 
clear testimony that they had obtained it. At 



80 

night long before the hour of service the audi- 
ence room was full of people, and when the 
services began the house was packed. The 
parlor and the infant class rooms were filled 
and many compelled to stand in the aisles." 

During the day sixty-nine at children's and 
young people's meeting professed to have found 
Christ, and in the evening thirty-four more 
conversions were reported making more than a 
hundred in a day for Christ. Mr. Willis was 
at his best and intensely in earnest, pressing 
people to immediate decision on the great ques- 
tion of life. The audience was dismissed twice 
in order that an inquiry meeting might be 
held, but it was impossible to diminish the 
crowd enough for this purpose without closing 
the entire services of the evening. This day 
of power and Pentecostal display closed the 
first full week of revival under the the conduct 
of the evangelists, Mr. and Mrs. Willis, and 
two hundred converts were claimed as the 
glad result. 

Thus these meetings went on with marked 
demonstrations and great victory for four 
weeks. Sometimes the tide of enthusiasm ris- 
ing higher than others, but with unabated 
interest throughout, the house being continu- 
ally crowded at each night's service and some- 



81 

times man3 T went away for lack of room, The 
interest and overflowing house was maintained 
through bad weather as well as good, through 
week evenings as well as Sundays. 

People went forward to the altar and sought 
Godj and conversions took place by the score, 
as in the first week of the meetings* Some- 
times the christian people were called upon to 
observe certain days for fasting and prayer ; at 
which time an all-day meeting would be held, 
when it was in order for persons to engage in 
the services at will. No abatement of interest 
or power was observed, but rather intensified. 

On the 24th after nearly three weeks of ser- 
vice it was stated that the jam was so great 
that the workers could with difficulty get 
through the congregation. The request was 
twice made for those who were not personally 
interested to retire ; but no one seemed willing 
to go. On Monday, the 29th of January, the 
converts had reached the number of four hun- 
dred and twenty-four. It was announced that 
services would continue during the coming 
week, and on the following Friday evening a 
praise meeting was held over five hundred that 
had been converted. 

In these wonderful meetings it would not 
be strange that some interesting and striking 



82 

incidents should occur worthy of mention, and 
which if told would illustrate more fully the 
great work of the Lord*, accomplished at the 
hands of his servants and evangelists, On one 
evening a christian man who had heard of this 
great revival work came one hundred miles to 
enjoy an evening in the meetings and when he 
had looked in upon the meeting, he was satis- 
fied and went away, saying like the queen of 
the East, " The half was not told unto me." 

An almost opposite effect was had upon two 
unconverted men who came to the meeting, 
but as the services progressed they became rest- 
less and disquieted and could endure no longer; 
finally they got up and rushed out of the 
church, and ran up town and 'into a barber 
shop, saying that if there was any such thing 
as the Holy Ghost they had it down at the 
Methodist Church, for they had to run or get 
converted. 

Great as were the demonstrations of saving- 
power, and joyous as were the converts in their 
experience of the new life, and clear as were 
the testimonies of full and complete salvation ; 
yet some were asking why there was not the 
old-time demonstration of power as was expe- 
rienced fifty years ago, within the recollection 
of some of the older people. Upon hearing 



83 

that some had known of greater displays of 
power than the wonderful experience that they 
had just witnessed,, 

Mr. Willis went to his room and fell upon 
his knees in prayer and did not rise until 
assured that his eyes should behold something 
of the old-time power, in displays of saving 
grace. The next night he arose, called atten- 
tion to the demonstrations of such meetings, in 
which men fell prostrate, as dead under the 
mighty power of God, And stated that he 
believed that it would be so to-night. And so 
it proved, That night a strong, able bodied 
man came to the altar, and had not been there 
long until he fell over like one dead. They 
tried to bend his arms, his arm was inflexible, 
be was pierced with pins by others but he was 
unmoved as a corpse. Only a little while 
however did this condition continue when he 
jumped up with a shout of victory, testifying 
of the salvation of God he had received. His 
future testimony and life proved that he was 
most thoroughly converted, 

The same night another man fell back in 
his seat and his friends thinking that he was 
dying gathered around him, but Mr. Willis 
said make room, he is dying for want of Christ. 
Coming to himself in a little while he motioned 



84 

for them to make room at the altar, and in a 
few minutes he was sweetly saved and healed 
of all his malady of sins* In his testimony he 
said that he had promised his wife that morn- 
ing that he would seek God on that night, and 
should surely have died had he not come to 
the altar that night, This was a revival also 
much after the old time, Many other incidents 
might be given, but the short space of this 
work will not allow of the multiplication 
further than to illustrate the character of the 
scenes and services through which the evangel- 
ists were daily passing and the manner in which 
God used them in the salvation of many souls* 
As the meeting approached its close on Friday 
evening, February 2d, a consecration and 
praise service was held over the five hundred 
that had been converted in the past few weeks* 
It proved to be a jubilee of rejoicing over" what 
God had wrought, and joyous testimonies were 
given until three hundred and ten had wit- 
nessed of the grace of God and his saving 
power* On the same night others went to the 
altar and found peace in believing. It was now 
announced that the coming Sabbath would be 
the last day the evangelists would be present 
with them in the work in Tiffin* The last 
service came on Sabbath evening, and before 



85 

the time of service the house was so packed 
with the crowd that it was scarcely possible for 
the evangelists to pass through. The text 
selected was Phil. 3:14, "I press forward to the 
mark of the prize, etc." The altar was again 
tilled, and a glorious victory was achieved in 
the name of the Lord. Thirty entire families 
and some six hundred souls had come into the 
Kingdom. The exclamation of the evangelist 
was " Glory to Jesus, for mighty victory. We 
still keep marching on. Thanks be to God who 
ffiveth us the victory." Trulv this is a marvel- 
ous work of the Lord. 

AFTER THE REVIVAL. 

One question of stupendous greatness with 
almost every church is to have a revival. The 
next question of interest arising is, will the 
work last and will substantial results remain 
after the revival ? 

In this revival just described the answer 
reveals the fact that the work was genuine and 
of a lasting character. Various denomina- 
tions of the town shared largely in the fruits 
of the revival and yet one hundred and eighty 
remained with the Methodist Church on pro- 
bation, besides a large class of children under 
twelve years of age who gave good evidence of 
conversion. Alter the meetings closed conver- 



86 

sions continued and more than a month later 
the pastor writes the evangelist saying, " Our 
work here is still full of interest, accessions at 
every meeting. Eight last Sabbath and four 
of our most prominent citizens ; our prayer- 
meetings are large enough for Sunday congre- 
gations." 

The probationers, for the most part, re- 
mained steadfast, and a large majority have 
been received into full connection The recep- 
tion day six months later was a notable day ; 
for the church took in more members, it was 
said, than were ever received at one time by an 
evangelical church in that part of the country. 
After the reception it was evident that all 
departments of the church work had been 
quickened, and the church had taken on new 
life. The Sunday-School flourished, weekly 
prayer-meetings were strengthened and became 
seasons of great interest. Steps were taken to 
complete the audience room of the new church 
building which had been unfinished for ten 
years, while the congregation worshipped in 
the basement, and before a year after the revival 
all was accomplished. The church was finished 
at a cost of $15,000.00, and on January 16th, a 
church worth $50,000.00 w T as dedicated clear of 
debt, amid the rejoicing of a delighted people. 



87 

"With these facts before us it is evident that 
the work of evangelist Willis and wife in con- 
nection with the faithful pastor's labors, was of 
great permanent value to the congregation on 
whom he served. We thus dwell, at length, 
upon this meeting that it may illustrate not 
only the successes and the emotions and the 
excitement of revival, but to show their abid- 
ing character, 

From this city Mr. Willis and wife went 
out with the good wishes and prayers of both 
pastor and people, commending them to the 
world. Pastor Reager in a letter of indorse- 
ment says: u Both Harry Willis and wife are 
evangelists properly accredited by the M. E. 
Church. During the month of January, 1883, 
they held meetings for me in the Tiffin M. E, 
Church, In four weeks between five and six 
hundred were converted and the entire city 
was awakened to a religious interest, They 
are excellent young people, worthy of credit 
anywhere, and devoted to work for the Lord 

Jesus. I most cheerfullv recommend them to 

*/ 

the church wherever they may go. May the 
Holy Ghost continue to use them for the salva- 
tion of souls." 

From Tiffin they spend a few daj 7 s with 
the Methodist Church at Omer, Ohio, in the 



88 

same county, where they held meetings for a 
few nights, rescuing some dozen ot souls, and 
from there they go to join in the work at Nor- 
walk, Ohio, with Rev. J. W. Mendenhall, D. D. 
as pastor. At this place the meeting was, in 
many respects, like that at Tiffin, only not so 
Ions; in duration. The house was crowded to 
its utmost capacity from the beginning. The 
religious fire began at once to kindle and it 
was soon evident that a great religious awaken- 
ing w r as begun. In a very few nights it is 
recorded that the altar as w r ell as the front seats 
w 7 ere crowded w 7 ith seekers of salvation. Here, 
as well as elsewhere, Mr. Willis with the pastor 
visited during the forenoons, among the people, 
praying and warning from house to house. In 
the afternoon meetings were held and some- 
times conducted by Mrs. Willis, w T hich became 
seasons of power. From night to night the 
wonderful work w T ent on and increased. On 
the first Sabbath morning nearly all the Sun- 
day-School stood up for the prayers of the 
church, expressing a desire for personal salva- 
tion. The discourse of the pastor in the morn- 
ing was followed bj 7 an altar service, w 7 hen a 
number of conversions took place. At 2.30 in 
the afternoon a meeting for children and 
young people was held ; many came to the 



89 

altar and twenty -five professed salvation. A 
praise meeting followed, as had been announced, 
at 3.00 P. M. over one hundred converts in the 
past few days and at its close sixty seekers 
came to the altar and twenty-seven conversions 
were reported. At night Mr. Willis discoursed 
on the " Master's Call," and Mrs. "Willis ex- 
horted in a most tender and eloquent strain, 
many going to the altar for the first time. 
Thus, before the close of the first week of ser- 
vice, the church of Norwalk was in the midst 
of a gracious revival, and was witnessing the 
conversion of souls by the score. Already one 
hundred and thirty-six had professed the sav- 
ing grace of Jesus. 

Among the converts were people of all ages 
and classes, and varied tastes, opinions and 
prejudices. The old and the young crowd 
together at a common altar to crown Jesus 
Lord of all and receive the salvation of their 
souls. On one occasion an old lady seventy 
years of age was found among the seekers at 
the place of prayer. 

On one night the first person at the altar 
was a man over fifty years of age ; about forty 
others followed. Among the number of con- 
verts, on one occasion, w r as a young lady who 
had formerly been a member of the Roman 



90 

Catholic Church. The discourse on the even- 
ing of her conversion was on the final strivings 
of the Spirit, A mighty power of God rested 
on the people and many were moved to seek 
God for the first time. This young lady of fine 
appearance became so convicted that she took 
up her book and began to read. In the after 
meeting Mr. Willis went to speak with her ; 
she only pretended to , keep on reading, but soon 
closed her book and left the room with a 
haughty air. The evangelist and wife made 
her a subject of special prayer. At the next 
afternoon meeting she came again, but on being 
spoken to on the subject of religion, she left 
the room as before, but soon after came back 
and went straight to the altar where she was 
soon saved and rejoiced with joy unspeakable 
and full of glory. 

As the meeting advanced conversions were 
continually multiplied. Appointed fast days 
became days of spiritual feasting, because of 
the continued outpouring of the spirit and the 
displays of saving power. They who were 
willing to show their superior desire for spirit- 
ual food above that of the wants of the body 
feasted on the bread which comes down from 
heaven. 



91 

The seating capacity of the church contin- 
ued throughout to be too small for the meet- 
ings. People stood in the aisles and around 
about the doors, and many were compelled to 
go away unable to obtain entrance. The interest 
deepens and seekers throng the altars even to 
the close ot the meeting, which no doubt would 
have gone on some days or weeks longer had it 
not been that the evangelists failed in health 
and strength necessary to go on with the meet- 
ing and must seek much needed rest or be 
unable for fields of future labor. This they 
concluded to do and the meeting closed after a 
series of some two weeks, with something like 
two hundred converts. 

Concerning; the evangelists and their work, 
Dr. Mendenhall, in a note of commendation 
states : "I take great pleasure in saying that 
the evangelists, Mr. H. M. "Willis and wife spent 
two weeks w T ith me in christian work in this 
city. It is not extravagant to say that the 
result was wonderful. The church was quick- 
ened and the unsaved were convicted by the 
score, and many of them converted. There 
were fifty-four accessions to the church in two 
weeks. The evangelists have their own meth- 
ods, but are not notably eccentric ; and give far 
less occasion for criticism than others of their 



92 

class that I know. They are spiritual in their 
lives, prayerful, earnest and above all the power 
of God rests upon them. Any church opening 
its doors to them, and any pastor fully co-oper- 
ating with them, will find a revival of religion in 
progress before a week has passed." 

Closing at JNorwalk they now visit a few 
days with friends at Republic and Ashland, 
Ohio, but soon start West on a temporary visit 
in search of rest and health. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Seeking Rest and Health.— A few days at Lawrence, Kansas. — 
Attends Conference at Hiawatha. — Call to State Work. — 
Returning to Lawrence, Kansas. — Receives many calls to 
hold Meetings. — Little work undertaken. — Call to Marysville 
accepted. — The work entered upon.- — House overflowing, One 
Hundred and Sixty Conversions in the meeting. — The church 
quickened. — Mrs. Willis conducting after services. — Other 
Churches strengthened. — Extracts from Papers. — People 
from ten miles away in Attendance. — -The Bride and Groom 
from the Prairie Converted. — Results of the Meeting good. — 
Testimony of the Pastor. 

Leaving Ashland at 7:00 A. M. ? March 8, 
188d, three days after closing the meeting at 
Norwalk, Mr. Willis and wife started on a visit 
to the West, hoping to conceal themselves from 
public attention and find a few weeks or 
months of quiet rest amid the healthy and 



93 

invio-oratino- breezes of the western states. 
Accordingly their baggage was checked for 
Kansas City, and they were soon on their jour- 
ney ; passing through Toledo, Indiana, Illinois, 
Missouri, and reaching Kansas City on the fol- 
lowing night at 11:30 o'clock. Here they took 
the train at once for Lawrence, Kansas, and on 
March 10th registered at the Eldridge House. In 
this city they located for a few weeks and rented 
rooms ; securing board where they could have 
rest and quiet quarters for the time they should 
•stay in Lawrence. At this place they met Rev. 
Wm. Jones, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of the city, in whom they found a con- 
genial friend, and with him and his estimable 
family had delightful associations during their 
stay. They were often invited to his house to 
dine and enjoy a season of gladness. Being 
young people themselves Brother and Sister 
Willis greatly enjoyed the company of Dr. 
Jones' two children, Nannie and Fred. With 
them they took walks and carriage rides, and 
went boating and fishing in the Kansas River, 
and had many pleasant seasons of recreation. 

The next day after their arrival at Lawrence 
was Sabbath. Instead of the arduous and her- 
culean efforts that had heen required of them on 
many previous Sabbaths, especially at ISTorwalk 



94 

and Tiffin, Ohio, in bringing scores and 
hundreds to Christ, and in assuming responsi- 
bility of holding church and people to the 
great thought of immediate decision, now they 
had a time of refreshing and a breathing-spell 
for themselves, nothing to do but to listen to 
delightful and eloquent sermons from Dr. Jones* 
Now they could enjoy, like victors, the scenes 
of the race course or the arena, and for a sea- 
son could be measurably free from the conflict 
of the heated strife. Their respite from work 
being almost a type of that perfect rest when 
the last battle is fought and we become specta- 
tors and are numbered w T ith the crowd of inter- 
ested witnesses who have kept the faith and 
won the prize, and now wear the crown. 

After a week or more spent in Lawrence? 
Mr. Willis accompanied Dr. Jones to the Kan- 
sas Conference at Hiawatha, where he made 
pleasant acquaintances with western preachers, 
and affected some engagements for future work. 
Here the first day being the examination of 
classes it was to Mr. Willis, dull business; but 
in the evening he heard a grand lecture by Dr. 
Crone, whose subject was: " The Sinner and the 
Infidel,'' and with it he was greatly delighted. 
On the next morning, Bishop Harris presiding, 
the Conference opened with a communion ser- 



95 

vice which was a most precious and solemn 
occasion. After this business was taken up and 
strangers were introduced, and thus Mr. Willis 
became known to the members of a Western 
Conference. While at the Conference Mr. Willis 
received many calls to hold meetings in differ- 
ent places in the State; and among others was 
an invitation to State work in which he would 
be a traveling evangelist and under the author- 
ity of the church. At this time his mind was 
still unsettled as to the course to be pursued, 
and in consequence of the ill health of himself and 
wife he undertook but little work. He had 
intended to go to Williamsfield Mineral Springs^ 
and then further west to Colorado ; but find- 
ing that their health and strength were return- 
ing, and that they had found the right place at 
Lawrence for both rest and healthy their stay 
here was protracted until they felt able to 
undertake at least some little work in answer 
to the many calls which were now r being made 
upon them. Among other opportunities a call 
came from Marys ville, Kansas, to hold revival 
services. 

This they concluded to accept, and accord- 
ingly on the 7th of April, Brother 'Willis and 
wife with many pleasant recollections of the place, 
leave Lawrenceand start for Mary sville, a town in 



96 

the Northern part of Kansas, They go by way 
of Leavenworth and St. Joseph, stopping at 
the latter place over Sunday, where they hear 
Dr. Miller, at Francis Street M. E. Church. 
On Monday morning they start on their jour 
ney, and in the afternoon arrive safely at 
Marysville, in Marshal County, Kansas, where 
on the same evening they begin meetings in 
the M. E. Church, Rev. A. Gr. Murray, pastor. 
Here in the West as in the East general relig- 
ious interest began to be aroused. In a night 
or two the house was crowded to its utmost 
capacity ; on the second night the altar and 
three front seats were filled with seekers ; and 
on the third night all but one in the congre- 
gation sought either pardon or a clean heart. 
On the first Sabbath an altar service followed 
the pastor's morning sermon, and it was blessed 
with seven conversions. 

In the afternoon a praise service was held 
over the fifty conversions that had been re- 
ported to that date. At night the house was 
crowded within and surrounded without by 
anxious people, when sixteen came to the altar 
and ten were converted. Thus the good work 
of soul-saving went on under the labors of these 
earnest workers. During; the meeting Mrs. 
Willis often led the afternoon meetings, and 



97 

sometimes took the night service with powerful 
effect. In the midst of this great work Mr. 
"Willis had a strong hold on 1he hand of God 
and at one place in his journal he states that on 
one evening before the meeting he went out 
over the prairies until he came to a place 
between two bluffs where he prayed for special 
power, dedicating himself anew, and pleading 
especially for Marysville: u O God without thy 
help I am an entire failure Dear Lord give 
power, give victory and grace to overcome. 
Help me and my dear wife to cling close to 
Thee. Amen.' 5 Thus he continually maintained 
his covenant with God and leaned hard on the 
Divine arm. The people had a mind to work 
and conversions were multiplied, so that God 
gave him a splendid victory. The church was 
quickened and many sinners converted. Other 
churches also reaped largely from the fruits of 
this wonderful work of grace. 

At this meeting some especially interesting 
incidents occurred. One is that of the presence 
of a newly married couple. Rev. Murray dur- 
ing a certain day went out on the prairies some 
ten miles to unite a couple in marriage. At the 
wedding the minister spoke of the revival 
going on, conducted by the evangelist, and 
invited the company to come and hear them. 



98 

Accordingly the bride and groom with a num- 
ber of their friends were present at the evening 
service The groom was tall and gaunt while 
the bride was short and small. They came up 
the aisle together, she with mouth and eyes 
open holding his hand. The house was crowded 
and in the absence of ushers, and to relieve their 
evident embarrassment, Mr* Willis seeing their 
dilemma made room for them on a front seat* 
The pastor whispered that they were the bride 
and groom of the day. They paid close atten- 
tion to the sermon, and when through preach- 
ing Mr. Willis went to the man and asked him 
if he would not like to be present at the mar- 
riage supper of the Lamb. The case was clear 
and together they kneeled at the altar of prayer 
where they dedicated themselves to God and 
were both converted, " receiving the end of 
their faith, even the salvation of their souls." 
How wise at the last was their course at this 
meeting ! 

Another interesting conversion in this meet* 
ing was that of a man who had held a place on the 
staff of one of the leading Isew York Dailies, 
but who drifted out West and became a great 
gambler and Confidence man." One morning he 
came into the Sabbath School Salvation service 
where Mr. Willis talked with him. He became 



99 

so interested that he attended the praise services 
in the afternoon, and in the testimony meeting 
his heart was so touched that he asked Mr. 
Willis to pray for him. He was weary and 
heavy laden with his weight of sin and woe 
and could wait no longer. He must he saved 
now or lost forever. He cast himself on the 
mighty Savior and found peace and pardon and 
the joy of this great Salvation. 

This meeting and religious interest attracted 
people for many miles around. The testimony 
of pastor Murray bears witness to the good 
effects of these special services, One of the 
Marysville papers in speaking of this meeting 
conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Willis, at the time, 
said : " This is undoubtedly the greatest revival 
that ever visited this part of the State. All 
churches are being strengthened, about fifty 
have united with the Methodist Church, quite 
a number have gone to the Presbyterian and 
some to the Baptist Church. The number of 
converts at this time is about one hundred and 
sixty. ' The number of seekers was nearly twenty 
last night," 

Thus God was w r ith his chosen workers in 
the West, and day by day owned the labor of 
their hands ; and Marysville was flooded w T ith 
a tidal wave of salvation. 



100 
CHAPTER X. 

Abilene, Kansas. — On way, discovered by a Pastor. — An unpre- 
cedented Eulogy. — Invited to tarry and hold a Revival Ser- 
vice, but teas engaged for Abilene. — On account of his Wife's 
Health could undertake no more work. Successful ivork and 
some remarkable incidents. — Formalism receives a hard blow. 
• — Church membership without Salvation. — A Rich Experi- 
ence and a Grand Testimony. 

Going to the West Mr. and Mrs. Willis 
thought to spend some time as a sort of vaca- 
tion, but in a few weeks were induced to under- 
take a meeting or two only. And, now having 
completed their work undertaken at Marysville 
they engaged for a like service with the M. E. 
Church at Abilene, in Dickenson County, Cen- 
tral Kansas, Rev. E. W. VanDeventer, pastor. 
On the route to Abilene from Marysville an 
interesting episode occurred at a town where 
they were to change cars and were compelled 
to stop for a few hours. A Methodist Church 
stood just opposite to the hotel where they had 
stopped. Tt was prayer-meeting evening, a good 
number were going. Mr. Willis and wife, as 
was their custom, always worshipped as they 
had opportunity. They supposed than they 
were total strangers to all, in such a distant and 
strange land ; but on entering the house and 
going quietly to a seat the minister arose and 
without apparently having noticed the stran- 



101 

gers, spoke as follows : " Friends : there is in 
the house to-night a young man, one of the 
greatest evangelists of the age, who started as 
a young bov in Ohio to work for God. His 
methods are peculiar, but he has the power of 
the Holy Ghost upon him, and hence thousands 
of souls are brought to Christ by his labors. 
That young man is the " Boy Evangelist " of 
Ohio. Poiuting to Mr. Willis, he said : "There 
he is." 

On this extraordinary and unlooked for 
introduction at a place where he thought he 
was completely hid, Mr. Willis came forward 
and talked awhile and prayed, and thus con- 
tributed to the interest of the meeting. Before 
leaving the church he was strongly solicited to 
tarry and hold a revival meeting in the place ; 
but being engaged for Abilene, and Mrs. Willis' 
health being yet very feeble, he could make no 
more arrangements in the West for the present. 
They bade good-bye to their newly formed 
friends and took the first train for Abilene, 
where they arrived with safety in due time. 
Information concerning this meeting as to 
numbers and facts is difficult to obtain. The 
pastor had announced in suitable terms, their 
coming, through the pulpit and weekly press. 
It was stated that II. M. Willis and wife from 



102 

Ohio would hold a series of Gospel meetings in 
the M. E. Church at Abilene, commencing 
May 10, 1883, at 7:30 P. M., and that thous- 
ands of souls had been converted under their 
labors. A week later one of the Abilene papers 
stated that " Rev. Willis, the Evangelist, is 
holding a successful revival meeting at the M. 
E. Church. The interest increases as the meet- 
ing; progresses."' At the end of five davs' ser- 
vices, in a letter to his father, Mr. Willis states 
that about fifty have been converted, and 
exclaims " Praise God." 

The meetings continued some weeks and as 
a result, which invariably attended the meet- 
ings of these evangelists, a great awakening 
took place. The church was signally stirred 
out of its formalism, and ail classes were 
reached. One instance of reaching and saving 
persons from among the refined classes of soci- 
ety in this place is especially interesting. It 
was that of the wife of Dr. Meredith, who was 
in Abilene at the time of the meeting. She 
w r as a lady of much refinement and great popu- 
larity in the place, a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, but very formal in all her 
religious exercises, " having the form but deny- 
ing the power of Godliness," attending fashion- 
able balls and operas and enjoying card-playing 



103 

like a great many other professed christians. 
On the first Sabbath Mr. Willis preached from 
the subject, " Are you saved." Mrs. Meredith 
and also her husband, the Doctor, were so 
wrought upon, that upon invitation for seekers 
they were the first at the altar. They were 
saved by the power of the truth, and launched 
out into a rich experience in Christ. In her 
testimony afterwards Mrs. Meredith said: 
" When Mr. Willis repeated those words again 
and again, 'Are you saved ? ' they fell with 
such force that I trembled, and my heart said 
what shall I do ? Eternitv is before me, and 
though I am a church-member I am not saved. 
I was in haste to go to the altar and I am glad 
I went" 

v This wonderful conversion created no small 
stir in the place, for on the following day it 
was noised ail over the city that Mrs. Meredith 
was at the altar, and the answer came back ; 
u No, not the elegant Mrs. Meredith." But 
it was true; and the lady of refinement and 
of formal piety was reached and lifted up 
into a realm of experience in Christ to which 
she was ever before an entire stranger. In this 
instance and in others, formalism, and church- 
membership without a religious experience 
received a hard blow, and here many witnesses 



104 

were raised up in favor of the simple faith of 
the gospel with the power to melt the heart 
and change the conduct and make the life sub- 
limely beautiful in Christ. 

Closing the meeting at Abilene with much 
success and many souls saved, and after about 
three weeks of service, Mr. Willis and wife are 
again free to spend the remainder of the Sum- 
mer where they may think best. Not desiring 
to take up further work at present in the West, 
and having spent some three months in Kansas, 
partly in recreation and partly in work, and 
with greatly improved health and strength by 
their stay in the West, they now, in the month 
of June, decide upon a return to Ohio ; and 
accordingly bade good-bye to western scenes 
and cities to look upon them no more. Their 
steps are now Eastward bound and soon again 
they reach their own state, Ohio, improved in 
health, richer in experience and bearing many 
pleasant recollections of their Western work 
and trip. 

Eternity alone will reveal all the signifi- 
cance ot this visit of the evangelist beyond the 
Mississippi, and the garnered sheaves of etern- 
ity alone will number its spiritual results and 
tell of all the good accomplished. 



105 
CHAPTER XI. 

Returning to the East. — Bents a Furnished Cottage in Republic, 
Ohio, in June, intending to Rest for the Summer. — Brother 
Guard invites him to Melmore in July. — He can not be hid. 
—The Cry of Souls is heard.— Holds a two weeks' Meeting 
at Melmore. — A wonderful Revival in Harvest Time. — More 
than one hundred Conversions.— NEVAD A. — Called by the 
Presiding Elder to fill the Pulpit at Nevada. — Traveling a 
(Jircuit till Conference, as a Supply. — He preaches in the 
Street. — The White Horse. — Crowds hear him from his 
Carriage Pulpit.— Delivers up his Charge at Conference.— 
Visits other Conferences. 

Returning from Abilene, Kansas, Mr, Willis 
and wife now seek a temporary location in their 
own State, where they may spend the Summer 
and the heated season among friends and old 
acquaintances. Accordingly, Republic, an inter- 
esting village in Seneca County, is selected. 
Here Rev. a E. Ruddick, father of Mrs. Willis, 
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
resided, and of course, this fact heightened the 
attractiveness of the place to them as a tempor- 
ary home. They here rent a furnished cottage 
and set up cosily for themselves, expecting a 
pleasant season of Summer vacation and home- 
like life together. 

But soon Brother Guard of the Melmore 
Charge, North Ohio Conference, finds his quiet 
retreat, and although it is now near the middle 
of June, yet he invites Brother Willis to hold 



106 

a revival meeting in the M. E. Church at Mel- 
more, Ohio, at once assuring him that the 
urgency was so great that his services were 
greatly needed in that place in the interest of 
perishing souls. Mr. Willis considered this 
pressing call as the voice of the Lord. And 
although it was contrary to his arranged plans 
for the Summer, yet God's directions and call 
to him were always supreme and imperative. 
He could not be hid and he would not turn 
away from the call of Providence. The cry of 
souls was heard. Mr. Willis, leaving his wife 
in her quiet home in company with a sister, was 
soon on the ground ready for the work of soul- 
saving at Melmore. The meeting at once began 
and the work went on with vigor and great 
success. In less than a week the place was 
shaken under the power of God. The current 
of iniquity was checked and the course of vice 
was arrested. Satan's kingdom was molested 
and souls were plucked as brands from 
the burning. Opposition and strong threats 
were made from without against the evangelist^ 
but he was fearless, for he rested under the pro- 
tection of the Almighty ; and at one time when 
opposition was the fiercest, God raised him up 
a band of strong protectors, who guarded his 
body from the fury of those, who had been dis- 



107 

turbed by his bold attack upon sin and iniquity 
of every description. The meeting went on to 
its consummation, foes subsided and a hundred 
souls in a little village of less than one thousand 
inhabitants, were rescued and converted to God, 
Thus in a fortnight, about the beginning of 
harvest time, God wrought at the hand of his 
servant, and a mighty awakening took place a*" 
•a time, when by tacit consent the Church 
generally reposes, or at least does nothing more 
than to " hold the fort " and wait for the com- 
ing good time of late Fall or early Winter 
All times and seasons are alike with God, and 
when man is ready for the harvest, God is will- 
ing to work by many or by few. Too often 
there is the long and tedious waiting when all 
that is needed is to rise up at God's call and go 
forth to speedy victory. 

From this field of victory Mr. Willis, though 
not a preacher in the authorized sense of the 
word, but simply a lay-worker and evangelist, 
was invited by the Presiding Elder to take 
charge of a circuit for a short time, until Con- 
ference would convene. Not desiring to travel 
in the heated season as an evangelist, he 
accepted the invitation of Presiding Elder A. 
Polock, and was accordingly appointed to 
succeed Rev. C, W. Crawford and take charge 



108 

of Nevada Circuit for the remainder of the 
Conference year. Early in July, 1883, Mr. 
Willis entered upon the discharge of his duties 
as preacher in charge of the circuit, and com- 
menced preaching regularly on Sabbaths at the 
various appointments. It was somewhat of a 
novelty for him to engage in a work of this 
kind. He would now have the oversight of the 
church, as well as the work of an evangelist. 
With the reputation which he had now ac- 
quired, his presence on the charge created no 
small stir and curiosity. They looked upon 
him as one of the most successful evangelists in 
the Church — a second Harrison. 

His regular appointment on the circuit 
became a season of much interest and many peo- 
ple heard him gladly. Not confining himself 
to the Church edifice he sometimes extended his 
iniluence and enlarged his congregation by 
singing and preaching on the streets. Some- 
times he would drive to the place with a white 
horse and carriage and from the carriage in the 
street, deliver the message of truth. A clipping 
from the Nevada Enterprise of August 10, ? 83 7 
states that " On last Sabbath evening the ' Boy 
Evangelist ' held a very interesting service on 
Main street in front of the Bank Block, where 
he was greeted by a large and appreciative 



109 

audience. He will hold services on next Sun- 
day evening at seven o'clock. Whether in the 
pastorate or in the field as evangelist he was an 
inveterate worker. On one Sabbath his 
announcements of services were as follows : At 
M. E. Church, at Nevada, preaching at 10:30 
o'clock A, M.; at the Burke Church, at 2:30 
P. M. ; at Wyandot at 4:30 P. M., also street 
services at Nevada at 7:30 P. M, v 

Thus fulfilling faithfully and acceptably the 
duties of his work for the time appointed, he 
delivered up his charge at the session of Confer- 
ence in September, and was again ready for the 
field as an evangelist. Attending the Central 
Ohio Conference, and, also the North Ohio 
Conference, in which he had served as a supply 
preacher, he received numerous invitations to go 
out again in the campaign of soul-saving among 
the Churches of Ohio. 

Ever since his entrance into the evangelistic 
work it was never difficult for him to obtain a 
field of labor ; but the main question of import- 
ance to decide was, which door to enter. In 
fact, sometimes as high as three hundred 
invitations for evangelistic work were before 
him at one time. It is marvelous to comtem- 
plate, but such was the desire for revivals, that 
a great cry arose for the services of the evangelists. 



110 

Often their presence alone would inspire great 
faith and seem sufficient to produce the desired 
results. Here was a workman who never 
entered a field of revival effort without glorious 
and abundant results, and one whose services 
as such met with increasing demand, 

CHAPTER XII. 

Invitations received. — Wonderful cry for Evangelist. — He accepts 
Hicksville. — The Correspondence. — *The Situation.-^Hard 
Pounding both Ways. ^Holding on by Faith. — 'In Darkness. 
— Soon the Ifeavens are Light — TTie Great victory. — The 
Holy Ghost fell on all — * The Melting Time- - The great 
Deep broken up. — Sinners crying and Converts shouting.-^ 
An Editor saved. — A Time of great Rejoicing. — The Begin- 
ning of grmt Prosperity.— CAREY, OHIO.— The Altar 
filled. — The Cry of Agony. — Salvation comes.— The Crowds 
ton great. — An old Man taking Christ on Testimony and is 
saved. — Numbers added to both Churches. — Pastor Taney ML 
— UPPER SA ND USKY—A Two Weeks Engagement 
— Brother D. Cook, pastor. — Three Score of Substantial 
Converts. — God owns His Workmen and the Work moves on. 

Among the numerous invitations which Mr, 
Willis received to hold revival services, was one 
from the pastor and people of Hicksville M. E. 
Church, Defiance County, Ohio, Rev. Joseph D„ 
Simms, pastor. This is a growing town of some 
two thousand inhabitants, situated on the line 
of the B. & 0. R. R., two miles east of the 
Indiana State line. The Methodists of this 
place in former years worshipped in the Presby- 



Ill 

terian church, and not until within about seven 
years of the time of which we are about to write 
did they have a Church of their own. They 
then built a beautiful church costing about 
$6,000. ]S r o great revival had been enjoyed since 
the formation of the class, but the accessions and 
increase were by gradual growth and largely 
from Methodists moving to the place and find- 
ing a home in their own Church. Years of 
early association and worship with Presbyterians 
was of an educating character, in the line of 
Church usages and proprieties, but was not 
conducive to the old-fashioned Methodist revival 
spirit. After the erection of their own house 
of worship Methodist usages and customs had 
more freedom and better opportunities for 
observance. They now began to hold services 
uninfluenced by the methods of any other 
denomination, Revival meetings were held 
almost annually under various pastors with some 
good results and generally with some few acces- 
sions ; but the spirit of power did not rest 
mightily on the Church, but rather a nice 
propriety and formal state of religious feeling 
prevailed. Numerically the Church had in- 
creased and strengthened each year, and a 
deepening of the religious life and a desire for 
spiritual things gradually became more and 



112 

more apparent. The need of a genuine and 
thorough revival was earnestly felt and the 
assurance that such would soon be enjoyed was 
a growing conviction. This conviction was so 
strong that one man remarked that u the next 
time we hold a meeting here we must go in for 
a grand success.' 9 

The charge now numbered about one hund- 
red substantial members, and the society had 
been raised from a circuit to the rank of a station, 
with preaching both morning and evening. On 
the return of the pastor for the third year in the 
Fall of 1883, it was manifest that, with the 
good feeling among the membership and the 
deep religious interest prevailing and especially 
with a strong desire to see souls saved, this was 
the opportune time for a revival meeting. The 
pastor realized that for this work a little for- 
eign help of a proper character would add 
inspiration and enthusiasm to the movement and 
might greatly facilitate the work. Accordingly 
on a Sabbath, soon after his return from Confer- 
ence, he made known to the congregation his 
own heart-felt desire to see the work of the 
Lord revived in the place, and that to this end 
he felt that a little help in holding Gospel 
services would greatly aid the work ; and more 
than this the providence of God had thrown in 



113 

his way the opportunity of securing the help of 
two distinguished workers, husband and wife, 
whose presence had been attended everywhere 
they went with glorious results. The Church 
at once authorized an arrangement with these 
workers, and accordingly, H. M. Willis and 
wife were engaged to assist the pastor in con- 
ducting a meeting in the M. E. Church of 
Hicksville, to commence October 20, 1883. 

The correspondence between the pastor and 
Brother Willis brought out some suggestions 
concerning the preliminary work as well as the 
expression of the hope by Mr. Willis for a 
successful revival. He desired that meetings 
should begin at least a week before his coming. 
Among the suggestions for the conduct of ser- 
vices before his arrival, was that there should be 
a " Great deal of praying; can do nothing 
without the Holy Spirit's guidance and power; 
must be an expectancy and faith on the part of 
the people ; get the faith of the people to a good 
point ; everybody to praying ; ask God and 
believe Him ; hold on to God for victory ; noth- 
ing impossible with Him ; let us lie very low 
at the foot of the cross and proclaim victory in 
the name of the Lord." 

With these suggestions and a preliminary 
meeting of one week's duration, which elicited 



114 

Borne interest and enlisted prayer for victory, 
the way was in some degree prepared ; yet the 
great deep was by do means broken up. " Much 
land yet remained to be possessed," and much 
hard work yet remained to bring the church in 
line with radical revival work. Mr. Willis 
and wife arrived Saturday, October 20th. On 
Sabbath morning after a discourse from the 
pastor, Brother Willis gave a few words of 
exhortation, and prophesy, stating that a 
revival was just at hand. A like faith, on 
solicitation, was also expressed on the part of 
the church. In the evening the evangelist had 
charge of the services and preached in his own 
peculiar style and manner, which at once 
seemed odd, nervous and eccentric, and ap* 
peared to some to violate all rules of order and 
propriety. The house was well filled but some 
Went away dissatisfied saying, they would 
never hear him again. Nothing signal occurred 
that evening only that a new form of evangel- 
ism had appeared and a bold and sturdy move- 
ment was inaugurated, such that the members 
and people would hardly endure, many stand- 
ing aloof to see what would become of it. The 
next night revealed that some had stayed away, 
thinking that they would take no part. To 
the surprise of Mr. Willis the congregation 



115 

was less than on the Sunday evening before, 
and on coming to the house late and finding 
the congregation smaller, he exclaimed : " It 
will take three nights at this rate to get an 
audience," although the house was then well 
filled. The battle was not to be won without 
an awful struggle. Each night the meetings 
went on during the first week without signal 
results, further than that the audience increased 
and crowds began to come from near and far, 
and that a few souls were blessed at each ser- 
vice with salvation. Some were drawn to the 
work and some were drawn away in opposition. 
From the journal of Mrs. Willis we quote: 
"October 20, 1883, we came to Hicksville. 
Found the church desiring revival services, but 
when God began to work many of them turned 
a cold shoulder to us, not liking Mr. "Willis' 
methods, and doing all they could to stop the 
progress of the revival. The first day we came, 
the spirit of prayer rested on Mr. Willis and 
myself. We cried mightily unto God, for we 
felt that the sin of the people was very great, 
but we knew nothing of the struggle which 
we were to pass through, nor the wrestling in 
prayer, nor the great battle with the powers of 
darkness we should have e're victory would be 
on God's side. We began on Sabbath evening, 



116 

and up to Friday following everything looked 
very dark, only eight conversions being recorded. 
And when Mr. Willis dismissed the congrega- 
tion without the benediction, but cried out in 
great agony of soul : " Go, go, go, — go home 
and pray ! " consternation fell on the people, 
many of the church members became much 
insulted, and some even wanted to close the 
church door against us ; but the pastor, Rev. J. 
D. Simms, a man of faith and prayer stood nobly 
by us. Never flinching, holding up our hands, 
praying God to give us the victory. Mr. Willis 
went to the parsonage refusing to see any one's 
face until Sunday, except those of the family, 
and after spending much time in tears, groans 
and prayers, his face suddenly lighted up with 
the glory of God, and he shouted "Glory! 
glory ! ! glory ! ! ! The next day (Saturday) the 
clouds gathered darker and darker. Satan 
seemed to be let loose ; but we continued much 
in prayer. About six o'clock, the time of even- 
ing prayers, the door-bell rang and a man trem- 
blingly handed Brother Simms a note for Mr. 
Willis which contained words of sweet cheer. 
The writer of the note begged Mr. Willis to be 
of good cheer, as many prayers were going up 
at that Lour for him and for the conversion of 
Hicksville. This note came from a man of 
position and influence." 



117 

From this brief sketch, the situation, at the 
beginning, of the meeting, and at the end of the 
first week may be clearly seen. The next day 
was the second Sabbath of the meeting. The 
superintendent, R. P. Kerr, a man of God and 
deeply interested in the Spiritual interest of the 
young, had arrived on Saturday from a business 
trip in the East and was now present in the 
Sunday School. He was impressed when away 
that he ought to hasten so as to be present in 
the work on the Sabbath and future meetings* 
His presence was a great help and inspiration 
in the work. At the morning hour the pastor 
preached from the text : "Who is on the Lord's 
side?" and Mrs. Willis followed with a short 
talk on the subject: " l>e filled with the Holy 
Ghost." The scene w T hich followed was beyond 
description, in the wonderful display of divine 
power. God had certainly come suddenly to 
his temple in the outpouring of his Spirit, so 
that great and marvelous power came upon the 
believers. The luke-warm and formal cried 
out in agony for forgiveness, because they had 
lived at such a poor dying rate. Sinners fell 
upon their knees in all parts of the house seek- 
ing salvation. And " Heaven came down our 
souls to greet, while Glory crowned the mercy 
seat." The meeting lasted and could not be 



118 

discontinued until one o'clock in the afternoon. 
The church had humbled herself before the 
mighty hand of God, and received the endue- 
ment of power for the first time in her history, 
and now the glory of the Lord had risen upon 
her. The joy of the Lord was her strength, and 
sinners felt that the time had come for them to 
repent and be converted, that their sins might 
be blotted out. From this time forward, dur- 
ing all the meeting which lasted for some three 
weeks longer, victory was on Israel's side, and 
seekers by the score thronged the altar and 
rejoiced in the salvation of our God. The 
Church hungered and thirsted after righteous- 
ness and were filled. lA. holy desire and burden 
of soul rested on the Christian worker, and 
parents longed and labored for the salvation of 
their children. One woman so earnestly sought 
the conversion of her only boy that she prayed 
constantly and declared her purpose to fast 
until her son should be saved. That evening 
amidst the throng of people, and with the tide 
of seekers he pressed his way to the altar and 
soon rejoiced in the pardon of sin and the hope 
of heaven. The people of various classes were 
seized with a constraining desire to be saved> 
and men who had at the beginning of the meet- 
ing made all maimer of fun and indulged in 



119 

hard sayings were afterwards among the sup- 
pliants for mercy and salvation, and engaged 
enthusiastically in the promotion of the work. 
As the revival went on many clear and 
beautiful conversions were witnessed, but none 
more signal and beautiful than that of M. L. 
Starr, then one of the editors of the Hieksville 
Nrws, a young man of good character, with rare 
abilities and good worldly prospects He had 
been a member of the Sunday School and was 
interested somewhat in the Church of which 
his pious mother was a member. Among the 
first seekers, after the Church had gotten in line 
of work, was young Starr. It was on the second 
Sunday evening of the meeting, October 
28th. The house was crowded and many 
compelled to stand. The altar was being filled 
with earnest seekers. His opportunity of a life- 
time was at hand. Duty was clear — he ought 
to be a Christian and commence now. "With 
manly courage he left the crowd among whom 
he was standing, in the rear of the church, and 
walking the whole length of the long aisle he 
bowed at the altar of prayer before the God of 
heaven, and under a deep sense of need and of 
the just claims of God in Christ, he consented 
to be saved, and within ten minutes arose with a 
countenance radiant with joy, and in expressions 



120 

of delight he testified of the great and wonder- 
ful salvation of Christ. He afterwards said 
that he wanted to seek God early in the meeting 
so as to commence duty soon, and be free quickly, 
free from all his sins so as to enjoy more of the 
meeting with the people of God. His life 
afterwards showed the reality of the work in 
his heart, and while he remained in Hicksville 
he was President of the young people's Religious 
Society, and greatly aided in the work of the 
Master. On removal to Goshen, Indiana, where 
he became one of the editors of the Goshen Daily 
Independent, he took a church certificate, and 
was there greeted by the Church and was given 
abundant Christian work to do, which he wil- 
lingly accepted in Christ's name. Many other 
interesting conversions might be cited, would 
the limits of our space allow or the design of 
the book demand it. 

The meeting under the lead of evangelist 
Willis went on here, in all, for some four weeks, 
until more than one hundred had professed 
Christ. Victory came abundantly until it was 
a complete triumph. Though it was through 
the severest conflict yet the Lord's cause tri- 
umphed gloriously. The struggle was fierce 
and hard, and once after the meeting was fairly 
progressing, and on account of the intrepid 



121 

boldness and keen and cutting charges upon the 
enemy, Mr. Willis even received blows from an 
unconverted sinner, who, one evening after the 
meetings came to the very railing of the church 
and struck down the evangelist, who, on recov- 
ering, only replied that it was "A cowardly act 
to strike a man when oft* his guard," In a day 
or two under good medical care Mr, Willis was 
again in the meeting, with a sweet spirit work- 
ing as hard and fearlessly as ever for Christ, no 
interruption in the spiritual results or progress 
of the meeting having taken place, but rather 
the Lord turned " the wrath of man to praise 
him," and many souls came to Christ. 

This meeting will be looked back upon as 
an epoch of great interest in the history of 
Hicksville Methodism, and will mark the begin- 
ning of greater spiritual prosperity, as well as 
to have strengthened the things which were 
weak, in a more material way. From this year 
the Society became a full station, dropping the 
country appointment and rising to the rank of 
one of the best charges, and afterwards enjoying 
the services of some of the best preachers of the 
Conference. 

This Church will doubtless rejoice for time 
to come over the work done and the souls saved 
in this wonderful meeting in the Fall of 1883, 



122 

After Hicksville, through the earnest request 
of Pastor Taneyhill, and the M. E. Church, 
evangelist Willis and wife next engaged in 
revival meetings at Carey, Ohio, a beautiful town 
of 1500 inhabitants on the line of I. B. & We 
R. R., at its junction with the C. H. V. & T. 
R. R., in Wyandot County. At this meeting, 
crowds soon overflowed the audience room of 
the church so that as early as five o'clock stand- 
ing room was scarcely to be obtained. Doors 
were locked at an early hour to prevent a jam 
and rllow room for workers. The altar was 
soon thronged with prostrate seekers and many 
young and old men were moved to seek God in 
the salvation of their souls. I need not write 
of this meeting in detail, suffice it to quote a 
few words from the Western Christian Advocate 
in the report of the meeting which was made 
on December 26,1883, and close with a few words 
from Rev. C. W. Taneyhill, who was then 
serving his third year as pastor of the station. 
The Western Christian Advocate of the date 
mentioned said: "At Carey, Ohio, the revival 
has been a great blessing and success under the 
leadership of Brother and Sister H. M. Willis, 
evangelists. In the couple of weeks that they 
were there, nearly one hundred were converted , 
someof themhavingbeen in theChurch foryears." 



123 

At the close of the meetings, December, 
1883, Pastor Taneyhill, in a note of commenda- 
tion, speaks the following kind words: " Brother 
and Sister H. M. Willis having shown full 
proof of their calling as evangelists of the Lord 
Jesus, whose they are in body and spirit, proven 
by works and faith, having held a meeting at 
Carey, Central Ohio Conference, I can not but 
give voluntarily this feeble attestation. By 
stirring up the lukewarm, quickening the care- 
less, by the conversion of unbelievers, by the 
purifying of the saved, full proof of power with 
God and man was shown. By faith, mountains 
of difficulty were removed ; by faith, prejudice 
gave way to love; by faith, the Church society 
stands united as never before," 

On hearing afterwards of the death of 
Brother Willis, as late as October 25, 1885, Pas- 
tor Taneyhill took occasion to write to Sister 
Willis a few lines which express further inform- 
ation concerning the work of this meeting and 
the high esteem in which Brother Willis and 
his faithful companion were held. This letter 
dated from Bowling Green, Ohio, October 22, 
1885, says: " Brother Willis and wife were with 
me at Carey, Ohio, Central Ohio Conference, 
Many are the souls that rejoice in the prospect 
of a better world through the work done at that 



124 

time. The zeal of the Master's cause, the 
saving of souls while it made life more glorious, 
also spent the oil much sooner. Unswerving 
faith would mount upward above obstacles as 
the eagle above the clouds, while it would bask 
in the eternal sunlight of God's love. A very 
old man said only a few days ago, fr I am so glad 
the invitation was given me that night and I 
came to Christ my Savior.' The prayers of the 
church at Carey often ascended on the Thursday 
night prayer meetings for Brother and Sister 
Willis as they went to Africa. Most of us 
thinking it would not be long for them but even 
this was sooner than we expected, the coming 
of the Master, Long will the halo of glory 
enshrine the pure life influences of Brother 
Willis, and long may the sustaining grace be 
given in copious showers to sustain Sister Willis 
in the darksome days of widowhood/ 7 

Prom Carey, Brother and Sister Willis were 
invited to Upper Sandusky to hold a meeting 
at the M. E. Church of which Rev. D, R. Cook 
was pastor. This city is but eleven miles dis- 
tant from Carey, the scene of their last labors, 
and at which meeting the Rev, Cook and wife 
were often present helping in the services and 
becoming thoroughly acquainted with the man- 
ner and methods of the evangelist. Without 



125 

rest or delay they entered upon the work at 
Upper Sandusky. Of this meeting (after it 
had been in progress only a little more than a 
week) Mr. Willis in a letter to the writer said, 
" We are having a good time. Every day souls 
are saved. Up to date Brother Cook reports 
sixty-two clear conversions. One young man 
was unable to get to the altar but fell in the 
aisle, flat on his face, before he got within four 
or five seats of it. Great excitement prevails, 
bibles are being searched in houses and stores, 
barber-shops, saloons and everywhere. Deep 
conviction has fallen upon the town. The 
Devil is mad. Threats are being made. We 
have been warned against ringing the church- 
bell. 0, how I wish you were here to enjoy the 
glorious refreshing, It is an old time revival, 
All praise to the Trinity, Hallelujah to the 
Lamb." 

From one of the local papers of Upper San- 
dusky we clip the following report of the work 
and the workers : " Mr. and Mrs. Willis, the 
evangelists, who have been conducting revival 
meetings in the M. E. Church for the past three 
weeks left here last Saturday for Ashland, where 
Mr. Willis 5 parents reside, to take a short rest 
from their spiritual labors. Their efforts here 
were crowned with success, and during their 



126 

stay they made many warm friends, who were 
loath to see them depart." 

Farther than this it is unnecessary to speak. 
The workers labored hard enjoying the co-oper- 
ation of pastor and people, great good was 
accomplished and more than half a hundred 
were added to the Church. The evangelists 
departed, leaving behind them many new con- 
verts, and a strengthened Church, and bearing 
away with them the prayers and well-wishes of 
those with whom they labored. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

LIMA, OHIO.— Pastor Davies in charge of a great Church 
invites Evangelist Willis. — Much work ahead. — Hard Fight- 
ing. — The awakening Spirit on the Citg.— Crowds attend. — » 
Scores are Converted. — One hundred and thirty-six decide 
for Christ.— FOSTORIA, OHIO.— Jonathan and hi$ 
Armor-bearer.— T he Church at ease.— The Few —The Pas- 
tor and Evangelist. — Earnest Work— Pulling out of the 
Fire, one hundred and twenty-five plucked as Brands. — The 
Church greatly revived. 

Prom upper Sandusky, after a short rest 
with friends and relatives, according to pre- 
vious arrangement, the evangelists proceeded 
to Lima, Ohio. Here they enter upon work in 
the Trinity M. E. Church, which is one of the 
largeBt and costliest church edifices in Ohio. 



127 

Of this church the Rev. J. F. Davies was at 
that time the pastor. His congregation was 
always large and his people enthusiastic in 
church enterprises, and in various forms of 
church w r ork. But no great revival had been 
enjoyed for several years. Pastor Davies desir- 
ing to see the salvation of many souls before 
the expiration of his three years pastorate, 
which was just closing, concluded to call to his 
aid the young and noted evangelists, H. M. 
Willis and wife, who were at that time avail- 
able for his charge, and might be yoked for 
the load, or hitched on as a tug to get the great 
vessel out ot the harbor, to have better chance 
for the favorable breezes. It will not be our 
purpose to give an extended account of this 
meeting, or in any wise to enter into detail 
with reference to the varied and various fea- 
tures of the work; but may say, that here as 
everywhere, there were great difficulties to meet 
and overcome. The coldand back-slided, and the 
unconverted in the church were not ready for 
radical old-fashioned and high-pressure revival 
movements, and they hindered the work, The 
wise, formal and proper looked upon the 
methods of the evangelists as too irregular and 
eccentric, and without a due regard for the 
proprieties of such a refined presence, and so 



128 

they opposed the movement. Nevertheless, the 
Lord wrought mightily with his servants, the 
evangelists, and the common people heard them 
gladly. The house was soon crowded to its 
utmost capacity. Earnest workers took up the 
cause. The church became stirred up to healthy 
action. The awakening Spirit was on the city. 
The interest increased from day to day until 
soon more than a score of penitents were for- 
ward at the altar at one time, seeking salva- 
tion. "With much fasting and prayer these 
earnest workers lead on the services of the 
revival, until here as elsewhere, many were 
won to the Kingdom of our Lord, and at least 
one hundred and thirty-six were converted and 
dedicated themselves to Christ. God again 
owned his servants and gave them here con- 
tinued tokens of divine favor. A refreshing 
wave of salvation came upon the church and 
people ; and the evangelists retired under the 
blessing of God to win other souls to Christ. 
After the engagement at Lima, the way 
opened at Fostoria and Rev. Richard Wallace 
invited the evangelist to join him in a ten-day's 
meeting, in the M. E. Church, of which he was 
the pastor. Accordingly earty in March, 1884, 
Mr. Willis strongly supported by the pastor who 
is himself a most successful revivalist, began a 



129 

meeting. For several days he was without the 
aid of Mrs. Willis, who was resting for a short 
time at Hicksville. Here the usual crowds 
attended upon the services and hundreds could 
not get into the church. Early in the meeting 
in a letter Mr. Willis said : " Last night forty 
were at the altar, and twenty -four were con* 
verted. The church is ever so cold and dead. 
I told them to stay at home, and many of them 
did, for they were mad. I expect a full house 
this morning. The altar will not hold the 
penitents. Some of the worst in town have 
been converted. Men leave work and every- 
thing to come and seek the Lord. It is won- 
derful.' 5 

Later in writing to his parents, Mr. Willis 
says: "Up to last night one hundred have been 
converted and one hundred and twenty-six have 
been to the altar, within three days. We have 
a great deal to contend with and have been 
very sorely tried." 

Concerning the evangelist and the work in 
Fostoria, in a letter to the writer, bearing date 
November 5, 1885, Pastor Wallace says a few 
words which may be of interest and value in 
this place* He said : " Brother Willis held a 
meeting for me in Fostoria for ten days, and it 
was quite successful. There were about fifty 



130 

united with the church on probation,* most of 
whom were taken into full connection. They 
were nearly all young people. There was not 
much opposition to him there. Mr. Willis 
said many things that seemed out of place 
but he meant it all for the best. I believe 
he was a good man at heart — a thorough 
christian. The opposition in Fostoria came 
from the editors of the papers and the young 
men outside of the church, but the meeting 
did the church good. I have often heard 
him in secret devotion from my study, and 
more earnest prayer I never heard. He went 
with me to several places to call on the sick 
and I never heard his equal in my life in 
prayer for the sick, and his prayers all came 
from the heart. There was a tenderness and 
sympathy about them that would melt the 
hardest heart. Upon the whole I loved him 
dearly. He was a christian and I believe is 
now in heaven." 

Having toiled earnestly at Fostoria for ten 
days or a little more the meeting closed in good 
order leaving the church increased in numbers 
and strength. Mr. Willis departed carrying 
with him the good wishes of the pastor and 
many kind friends from Fostoria. Mr. Willis 
held one more meeting in the campaign. The 



131 

Spring of the year was passing and Summer 
would soon be at hand. The Fall and Winter, 
devoted almost without respite to constant 
revival work, had told upon the strength and 
health of both Mr, Willis and wife, who in 
addition to the exciting and arduous work of 
the continuous revivals have had the care of 
their child, who is yet but a small babe less 
than a year old, and who has been with them 
in all the vicissitudes and changes of their late 
itinerating evangelistic tours. They must soon 
halt and rest for a season or the life of both, 
parents and child, will be endangered. Many 
fields are yet open and opportunities for service 
are abundant, They can undertake but little 
more work of the kind for the season, but con- 
cluded to hold one more short meeting, and 
accordingly accept an invitation from the M, 
E. Church at Stryker, Ohio, a small town on the 
east edge of Williams County. Here Rev. N, 
S. Brackney was the pastor. The evangelists 
could remain and work but a few days. The 
battle must be pressed to the gate. The law 
and gospel are proclaimed with great plainness 
of speech. Motives for immediate action are 
presented from every source ; heaven is por- 
trayed ; the certainty of death and uncertainty 
of life ; and especially were the awful realities 



132 

of hell unfolded. The power of song was brought 
to bear. The people were attracted. The fire 
was kindled and began to glow, to 

" Burn up the dross of base desire 
And make the mountains flow !"" 

The Universalists, of whom there is a good 
number in this community, were displeased, but 
the Church was being benefitted and many were 
rejoicing in the good work, which was set in 
motion almost as by magic. One service in 
these meetings was spoken of as a " general for* 
giveness asking time 5 ' in the Church, when 
long estranged hands were clasped in friendship. 
Tomahawks were buried with resolutions to 
forgive and forget old difficulties and live more 
in accord with the golden rule of truth and 
love. At another service eighteen penitents 
were at the altar, desiring the prayers and sym* 
pathies of the Church in their efforts to come to 
Christ for salvation. In the eight evenings 
that this meeting was held a glorious work was 
accomplished and many were saved through the 
earnest labors of evangelist "Willis and wife. 
Their work, under God, at this place will long 
be remembered, and the workers will be held in 
highest esteem. 

With this meeting the evangelistic labors 
of H. M. Willis and wife closed for the season, 



133 

and as it afterwards appeared, this was the last 
meeting that they ever held in Ohio. Their 
work together in the West was finished for- 
ever. They now, late in the Spring of 1884, 
retired from public life for the Summer, and 
sought a rest in private life at Tiffin, Ohio. 
Here Mr. Willis engaged in business for a brief 
season, as a temporary change and rest from the 
severe nervous strain of revival work. Here 
their child grew stronger, and Mrs. Willis 
recruited her health. It was altogether only 
another season of preparation, or reparation, 
where God teaches and prepares them for still 
greater trials and victories of faith, which were 
yet to come, and which the Lord was holding 
in reserve for them. The future was unknown 
but they trusted God day by day, and awaited 
his divine direction in all things. 



134 
CHAPTER XIV. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA., October, 1884.— Again in the Field, 
— A Call to be assistant Pastor in the City, Salary offered.- — 
Opening Prospects. — Accepts Evangelistic Work in West 
Philadelphia, with Rev. Clark, Pastor. — A Good Meeting. — 
N ORRIS SQUARE.— Providential Opening.— Rev. Thos. 
Harrison, Pastor.— Evangelist Willis invited. — First night 
fifty-three at the Altar. — Signal Victory. — The Good Work 
continues. — More than two hundred Converted. — Another 
Account. — The Work and Workers Appreciated. — The Last 
Revival of Brother Willis. 

In October, 1884, Mr. Willis was again in 
the Held ready for duty wherever the Lord 
would call. His mind was now directed to the 
East. He visited Philadelphia, Pa. Here he 
mingled among the Christian people and made 
observations as to the opportunities for Chris- 
tian work in the city. He did not wait long. 
God was directing all his steps and leading his 
servant in a plain path. Calls in this new field 
began to be made and the way at once opened. 
One day while attending a service of the Y. M. 
C. A., of which he had long been a member, a 
stranger came to him and asked him to visit 
Rev. Wm. Taylor, pastor of the First Reformed 
Church of the city. The object was an inter- 
view with Mr. Willis to see if his services could 
be secured as assistant pastor, to do the city 
missionary work of the First Reformed Church, 
one of the largest and wealthiest churches of the 



135 

city. The consistory unanimously decided to 
secure his services if possible, and made an offer 
of a liberal salary with the promise that if the 
work demanded it they would build him a tab- 
ernacle for evangelistic work. This offer Mr. 
Willis at first was inclined to accept, and sent 
for his wife who was yet in Ohio to come, that 
with her concurrence he might accept and 
make more thorough arrangements for the work. 
But this plan was not to be carried out. God 
had abundant work for Mr. Willis in the church 
of his choice and in the line of his special 
adaptation, where he could exercise the utmost 
freedom in his own peculiar methods and win 
victories for the Lord, in a wider sphere than 
could be won within the limits of any one local 
church. 

Instead of accepting the offer, thus present- 
ing itself, the way of the Lord appeared clearer 
in another direction. A call came from a church 
in West Philadelphia, of which the Rev. N*. 
W. Clark w r as pastor. This they concluded to 
accept, and were soon engaged in the work 
among the people of their own loved Methodism. 
Here as elsewhere the blessing of the Lord 
attended their labors, and another glorious work 
was soon in progress, and a goodly number 
of conversions were reported. The writer not 



136 

having the data or details of the work of this 
place, can not speak of particulars. Only 
enough has been learned to state that the seal 
of the Lord was here given to the work, in that 
souls were saved and the work of the Lord 
gloriously advanced. Zion's stakes were strength- 
ened and the place of her tent enlarged* 

The next work in which Brother and Sister 
Willis engaged was with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church at N orris Square, Philadelphia, with 
Rev. Thomas Harrison, pastor* Introduced to 
the people of this society in a providential way, 
as will be seen in another chapter, these evan- 
gelists at once found a rare opportunity to serve 
the cause of their great Master, 

The brethren of this charge had just come to 
the close of their protracted meeting and were 
completely tired out, and a spirit of non-expect- 
ancy as to good results in the meeting prevailed* 
In the morning service of a Sabbath, late in 
November, 1884, Brother Willis was present 
and was asked to pray. In the evening, Pastor 
Harrison being unwell, he w T as asked to preach 
and to conduct the revival service* The Church 
had no adequate apprehension of the power 
that this man, supported by his noble wife, had 
with God* They knew not that one so skilled 
in the revival work and so irresistible in spiritual 



137 

warfare was leading the movement that night. 
In his prayer, before hisevening sermon, Brother 
Willis said : " Lord we ask thee for fifty souls. 
Father give, forChrist's sake,give us fifty souls." 
Having obtained the assurance in his own mind 
that his prayer w r as answered he declared bis 
faith that fifty persons would seek the Lord 
that night. To some this seemed like mere 
empty talk, very extravagant language from a 
man most wonderfully excited. ~No one could 
feel that there could be five persons forward for 
prayers. In fact many were ready to laugh at 
his apparently nervous and excited words. 
But the evangelist never doubted, but laid hold 
on the promises of God that souls might be 
saved. The result justified the prophecy. 
God honored his great faith w r ith mighty dis- 
plays of divine power. Conviction seized the 
congregation, and on invitation for seekers of 
religion to come forward for prayer, *the altar 
was crowded with anxious penitents, and when 
the count w^as made fifty-three had come for 
pardon and salvation. 

The Lord thus providentially opening up 
the way and honoring in a most remarkable 
manner the faith of his servants. Brother and 
Sister Willis were now invited to remain and 
continue the w r ork. From that time on the 



138 

victory was signal and the Lord rewarded the 
faith of the evangelists, and crowned their labors 
with abundant success. They obtained great 
favor with the people of Norris Square, and for 
five or six weeks the meeting went on, until 
more than two hundred were converted to God. 
Owing to the fact that Pastor Harrison will 
speak of this work and of these workers in 
another place, we will not go into the details of 
this important revival service. But suffice it to 
say that from the best information that can be 
obtained, the people of this charge greatly 
appreciate the wonderful work that God wrought 
at the hand of these, his servants, and forever 
will hold them in greatful remembrance. 

Their appreciation of them has already been 
shown in deeds of kindness and much material 
aid, both at the time of the meeting, and at 
subsequent times. It was here that God raised 
up friends true and tried, who did much to aid 
and cheer them on in their noble work. The 
evangelists ever afterwards held this Church 
and people in highest esteem. With this meet- 
ing at Norris Square M. E. Church, the evan- 
gelistic work of Brother and Sister Willis 
closed in America, at least, for the present. 

The seal of the Lord was upon their special 
labors as evangelists until the last service of the 



139 

last meeting in which they ever engaged together. 
With Brother Willis this was the last meeting 
of the kind that he ever held. 

Although many churches in Philadelphia, 
and at other places over the land, were now 
open, and invited the services of these success- 
ful evangelists, yet they now heard the call of 
the great Master in another direction and 
turned their course to a foreign field. 



CHAPTER XV, 

How to Succeed in Soul-Saving. — Some Fail. — Mr. Willis always 
Won. — His Special Preparation.— Conservation and Accept- 
ance. — Endued with Power. — Assurance of Success. — Peculiar 
Personal Endowment. — Methods of Work. — Faith of the 
Church. — Earnest, Intense and Continued Prayer. — Fasting^ 
— Work for AH. — Power of Song.- — Use of Tracts. — Mention 
<of Good done.— Fearless Preaching. — Expect Immediate 
Results.— Open the Way for Seekers. — Rejoice with the Con- 
verts. 

In the pages which have preceded we have 
endeavored to give some account of the history 
and work of Mr, Willis, and have called atten- 
tion prominently to the various revivals in 
which he has engaged with such uniform and 
unfailing success ; how that in no place did he 
undertake the management of revival services 
without seeing souls converted and a revival 



140 

ensue. From all the many fields in which he 
labored he always came with many sheaves. 

Having closed the account of his evangelistic 
work, it may be well now to make some men- 
tion of the means and methods by which this 
evangelist, aided by his faithful and efficient 
companion, acheived such marvelous and certain 
success in a work so great, so important, and at 
the same time so difficult, A work before 
which so many ministers and pastors have 
quailed and found themselves powerless to accom- 
plish. No problem has engaged the thought 
of the true minister more than how to save 
men ; how to arouse the religious thought of 
communities and successfully to persuade men 
to be reconciled to God. It shall not be our 
purpose in these pages to discuss evangelism or 
to philosophize on methods of successful soul- 
winning in general, or to set forth extended 
observations as to the best methods of inaugurat- 
ing and carrying forward great revival move- 
ments. But because the life-work of the 
subject of this narrative was largely in the field 
of revival work, we shall simply attempt to 
inform our readers of the methods pursued by 
this evangelist of whose life and labors we have 
undertaken to speak. In doing this we shall 
have a task sufficient, and should we succeed, 



141 

a result that will be more valuable than any 
abstract discussion, from our pen, could possibly 
be. Fact is better than philosophy, and experi- 
ence, than reason. 

Concerning the work and success of Mr. 
Willis it may be said that while his methods 
were somewhat peculiar to himself, and his man- 
ner sometimes a little eccentric, yet the under- 
lying principles upon which he moved, and the 
general principles of his action, were by no 
means peculiar, but were broad enough to fit 
any worker in any time. He brought to the 
work certain qualifications to which, in the 
beginning of this volume, we have already 
alluded, and on which it may be profitable here 
to speak still further. Before calling; attention 
directly to his plans and methods of gospel 
work, we would notice some elements of his 
preparation. Among these we mention ; 

1. He was thoroughly consecrated and had 
the full assurance that he was accepted and 
accredited as an agent under God, to go forth 
as a soul-saver in a broad sense, and as an evan- 
gelist in a special sense. Before entering the 
field of work the question was fully settled 
that he was the Lord's and from henceforth to 
be led and directed by his divine hand. He 
had made an unconditional surrender, renouncing 



142 

self and every other master, to come into bar-* 
mony with God and into full sympathy with 
his great work. His faith apprehended the fact 
that he had been fully accepted and authorized 
to act in the name of his Lord, in persuading 
men to be reconciled to God, and by all honor- 
able ways, in season and out of season^ to hasten 
the coming of Christ's kingdom. 

2. He was endued with power and espec- 
ially anointed. He felt that he was not only 
the Lord's by regeneration and adoption, but by 
special anointing for a particular work. When 
the fields opened and the call came for him to 
engage as an evangelist, he knew that it w T ould 
be useless for him to go out without special 
equipment. He must have power from on high 
—a special baptism of the Holy Ghost for the 
Lord's work. This he sought and found — the 
pentacostal gift descended upon him in power. 
He realized in much assurance the special 
anointing for the work of soul-saving. A 
passion for souls then possessed and consumed 
him as never before. He obtained a conscious 
hold upon God and felt the Divine spirit was 
upon him to perfect his own Christian life — - 
to enable him to be holy — to overcome sin, and 
to lead many others into the way of everlasting 
life. He was filled with the Spirit and thereby 



143 

consciously realized that be was empowered to 
meet the requirements of successful soul-winning 
and to do the work of an evangelist. 

3. He possessed an assurance of success in 
the Lord's work, and went forth to his various 
fields of labor in the consciousness that if he 
was faithful in the use of the power which God 
had given him, success would be guaranteed in 
every step of the work. His faith overcame 
the world and he believed that the great Head 
of the Church who had commissioned him,, 
would attend his work with victory. He relied 
on God through prayer, constantly expecting 
that the divine power would so accompany the 
word that it would not return void^ but would 
accomplish that whereunto it was sent. Where 
his own strength failed he ever believed that 
the strength of the Lord was sufficient and 
always available to overcome the world, and on 
the divine arm he relied as confidently as a 
ehild upon a father. Herein he rested his hope 
of success, God had a work for him to do and 
he was clearly commissioned to do it in the 
name of Christ. He never doubted, that as it 
was needed, power would be duly and adequately 
furnished. To him God in Christ was ever 
present, and with almightiness standing by him 
there was a present realization of future 



144 

accomplishments. Like the apostle, he could 
say : " This is the confidence that we have in 
Him that if we ask anything according to his 
will he heareth us ; and if we know that he 
hear us, whatsoever we ask we know that we 
have the petitions that we desired of Him. 57 
In this confidence Brother Willis never dishon- 
ored the Lord, nor retarded the divine work by 
doubts and unbelief, 

4, One more element in his special prepara- 
tion we mention, and that was his peculiar 
personality. He had natural fitness and adap- 
tion for the work of his calling, and great power 
to influence and persuade men. It was his 
nature to lead, and in a wonderful manner 
others would easily submit to his power and 
control. All his powers and gifts peculiarly 
fitted him for his work as an evangelist. He 
was young and vigorous in mind and body, 
of medium size, lithe of limb, attractive in 
countenance, possessing a clear, strong voice 
and a penetrating eye. All these powers helped 
him in the Lord's work. His gift of song was 
especially useful, for he mostly did his own 
singing and many were attracted by the music 
in his services. His eyes, powerful and earnest, 
were always an element of his strength. On 
one occasion, as he was passing down the aisle, 



145 

a very large man on whom he had fastened his 
eyes, began sinking down in his seat, saying: 
" Don't try any of your magnetizing powers on 
me." His peculiar gifts and strong personality 
eminently contributed to his great success in the 
work of soul-saving, and in his qualifications 
his natural abilities must not be over-looked. 

Thus called and equipped for a special work, 
Mr. Willis began his work of soul-saving as a 
traveling evangelist in connection with and 
under the sanction of the Church of which he 
was a member, always engaging with local 
churches on invitation from the pastor and peo- 
ple. His work was entirely in harmony with 
the church ; he never went out to work inde- 
pendently, and seldom went outside of the 
denomination of which he was a member. He 
was truly an evangelist of the Methodist Epis* 
copal Church, and sought always to build up 
strong churches, by strengthening the things 
that were weak. Toward this end he ever 
labored, and left in his path societies harmon • 
ized, strengthened and enlarged, multitudes 
added to the church such as shall be saved. 
And here the question arises : How was such 
work accomplished? What were some of the 
methods by which Mr. Willis operated in his 
work among the various churches where he 



146 

labored ? The answer to this is somewhat 
difficult. His work can be better understood 
by seeing it, but a few things may be said that 
will aid the reader to a partial answer, at least,, 
to this question and to a knowledge of the princi- 
pal methods in the great work of bringing men to 
Christ. Prominent among the means used and 
methods pursued by Mr. Willis we notice : 

1. That he sought to inspire faith and 
expectancy on the part of the church. Every 
invitation from a society or church was made a 
subject of most earnest prayer, and accepted 
only as it was clearly revealed that the Lord 
had directed and called. It was a settled prin- 
ciple with him to accept work only as the Lord 
directed, and when an invitation to labor as an 
evangelist with any society was accepted, it was 
because he believed he was acting under the call 
of God. With this faith, engagements were 
made, and at once it was an aim with Mr Willis 
to raise the faith and expectancy of the Church 
to the same point of his own* This he did 
sometimes before arriving on the field of labor, 
by letters to the pastor, declaring his own 
assurance that a good work was at hand and 
that he felt confident that many souls would be 
saved. To promote this faith, direction was 
often given to the pastor to begin meeting in 



147 

full confidence that a glorious harvest would be 
gathered. Accordingly faith was inspired, and 
under this inspiration the church would believe, 
and sometimes the work of salvation would be 
commenced before the evangelist had arrived* 
On coming to the field, quite often the revival 
was already a certainty in the minds of the 
church. The prophetic words of the evangelist 
were heard as a voice from heaven* He would 
proclaim that scores or hundreds would soon be 
saved. Not unfrequently whole assemblies, in 
answer to the question, would declare their 
belief that a great awakening was at hand. 
Preparations were accordingly made to carry 
on the work. The people would come together 
and multitudes would assemble as by magic. 
At other times less preparatory work was done 
and the work was inaugurated solely by the 
presence and personal efforts of the evangel- 
ist. However, seldom more than three days 
would elapse, and never more than a week, 
before the multitudes would gather and the 
revival would set in. The somewhat eccentric 
manner of the evangelist, and his intense earn- 
est and startling declarations at once would 
surprise and arouse the religious thought of a 
slumbering community. 



148 

2. With the faith of the church at a good 
point and rising, he next sought to engage the 
church members and all Christians in most 
earnest, intense, and continued prayer for the 
immediate salvation of souls. Prayer was all 
important, and should the church cease to pray 
most earnestly, the work could not go on but 
must soon pause. The evangelist himself 
believed that the power of God stands ever 
ready to respond in answer to prayer, but it 
must sometimes be most importunate, intense, 
wrestling, Having once taken hold on God for 
a revival at a place his prayer continued until 
it prevailed, and as a result others would be 
incited to join in earnest prayer for the general 
and particular work of revival. To facilitate 
this object and to get the whole church and 
community to pray, Mr. Willis urged the duty 
of prayer at every meeting day and night, and 
appointed certain hours at which to fall on their 
knees, at least three times a day, to pray for the 
conversion and rescue of the unsaved and per- 
ishing. Sometimes a whole day was set apart 
for fasting and prayer. Fathers and mothers 
were exhorted to pray for their children, and 
children for parents, and " That prayer be made 
for all men, lifting up holy hands without wrath 
and doubting." To call more attention to this 



149 

part of the work, he sometimes asked that the 
bell be rung for fifteen minutes at midday, and 
while it was ringing the people should continue 
in prayer. At one place this was done with 
electrical effect. Conviction seized upon the 
people as never before and some were constrained 
to surrender to God in their homes or in places 
of business while the people were thus engaged 
at prayer on behalf of their unsaved friends. 
In all the work of Mr. Willis, much stress was 
put upon the fact that the people were praying, 
and he often attributed the lag in a meeting to 
the fact that the people were not continuing to 
pray. He believed, in a true and spiritual sense, 
that souls could be liberated from the bondage 
of sin in answer to prayer, by the same power 
that liberated Peter from prison while the dis- 
ciples prayed. He believed that the same power 
was ready to save souls to-day in answer to 
prayer as accompanied the preaching of John 
Knox in Scotland, where his people had prayed 
all night for the success of the next day. Truly 
much prayer day and night by himself and the 
church was one of the essential means of victory 
in the work of salvation. 

3. Work on the part of the church. Brother 
Willis also believed that God wanted to save 
the world through the work and service of 



150 

consecrated men and women. All were stirred 
to activity. By all means, professing Christians 
were urged to do personal work to advance the 
salvation of souls. They were induced to do 
this sometimes by personal entreaty, sometimes 
by special meeting for workers, sometimes by a 
startling command in the public congregation, 
and sometimes by suddenly dismissing a meet- 
ing on account of the inactivity or lack ot 
enthusiasm on the part of professed Christians, 
who ought to be ready, in season and out of 
season, to witness or work for Christ, but who, 
too often, were not ready even to testify to 
Christ. The result would soon be apparent. 
The church members would realize their cold- 
ness and distance from Christ, and would come 
back to the next meeting alive and ready for 
duty, with courage, prayerfulness, and increased 
zeal. 

4. In all Mr. Willis 5 meetings the power 
of song was made to do an important office, and 
used to powerful effect. This part of the ser- 
vice he generally led himself, with Mrs. Willis 
presiding at the organ, urging that the whole 
congregation take active part, which, under the 
lead of the evangelist, it was not difficult to 
persuade them to do. The whole congregation 
would soon sing as the people did in the days 



151 

of early Methodism. The gospel in song became 
a powerful agency in reaching the heart, and 
not unfrequently, under the inspiring songs of 
his meeting, souls would be converted while 
standing or sitting in the congregation. Mr. 
"Willis depended much on the inspiration and 
enthusiasm of this part of the service. 

5. The use of brief tracts, and small cards 
with significant words or questions on both 
sides became an important feature in Mr. Willis 
work. One card especially was widely scattered 
by the evangelist, and also put in the hands of 
the workers for distribution. It contained on 
the one side the great question, 

"Are you saved ? 
If not, why ? 
On the other, Eternity ! 

Where will I spend it ? " 

Many were saved through this medium. In 
one meeting a man testified that he had been 
very wicked, but one day at his place of business 
somebody handed him one of these cards ; he 
was going to destroy it because its contents so 
impressed him, but something held him back. 
He was startled, impressed and convicted, and 
went to hear the man who was sending out these 
cards and making such a stir in the city. At 



152 

the meeting he yielded to God and was converted 
and said that the little card was the means of 
his salvation. Another into whose hands this 
card had fallen was converted by it and came 
to the meeting where he said : " I have often 
seen the advertisement, fc Rough on rats,' but 
that little card (holding it up,) is 4 Rough on 
sinners.' " Mr. Willis did not use many 
lengthy tracts, but a card of the kind mentioned, 
brief and startling, he considered an efficient 
aid in awakening thought. 

6. Another point in Mr. Willis' tactics was 
to make prominent mention of the good work 
already accomplished and at the same time 
keep up the expectation of great things to come. 
He always thought it proper to tell what God 
was doing for the people and to make mention 
of any encouraging event in the meeting, or else- 
where in the Lord's work. In other words 
" To noise it abroad " to the glory of God. If 
there was a daily paper that would report the 
work each day and tell of the souls saved he 
counted that an advantage. To sing the dox- 
ology when a conversion took place was not an 
uncommon occurrence. To tell of the good meet- 
ings just preceding the one in progress was 
deemed an inspiration to the present service. 
A prophecy of success in each meeting often 



153 

became the occasion of great faith and hope. 
On one occasion at the first night Mr. Willis 
encouraged the audience to expect fifty conver- 
sions. Their faith arose from discouragement, 
doubts gave way, and on the same evening 
fifty-three decided for Christ and bowed at the 
altar of prayer. Good cheer, buoyancj^, and 
hope were prominent characteristics of his lead- 
ership, and were continually maintained. Every- 
thing available was turned to account to make 
successful the one work in hand — that of saving 
souls. 

On this line of procedure, holding meetings 
with the various pastors and churches who had 
invited him, Mr. Willis succeeded. In all his 
meetings he proclaimed the truth boldly and 
did not shun to declare the " Whole counsel of 
God," at any cost, but cried aloud and spared 
not, expecting that there would be remarkable 
and immediate displays of divine power, 
accompanying the word. It is not too much to 
say that he seldom, if ever failed to see an 
immediate result, such as justified the highest 
expectation. Communities were thrown into an 
anxiety for salvation at once, and sinners in 
great numbers .were brought to decide for God, 

His aim centralized in bringing men to decis- 
ion and salvation. It was expected that at 



154 

ever j meeting some would decide to seek Christ, 
Accordingly at every meeting the way was open 
for seekers to present themselves at the altar of 
the church, or to arise for prayers^ or go into an 
inquiry room, and not unfrequently interested 
persons would linger after church services and 
bow in prayer with the evangelist or other 
workers just where they happened to be. With 
Mr. Willis, any time and all places were suit- 
able to commit souls to the service of God. 
Good impressions were not allowed to wear 
away. Whenever penitents were found, there 
must be no delay in inviting and pressing them 
to immediate decision, and the opportunity for 
them to do so must never be wanting. When 
conversions took place they were duly recog- 
nized, and seldom would one be saved without 
the personal knowledge of the evangelist, who y 
at the time, or soon after, would greet the con- 
vert wuth much satisfaction and joyous delight ; 
often the fact would be announced to the 
assembly and all would join in singing the 
doxology over newly converted souls. 

In the execution of these plans, it will be 
remembered that Mr. Willis was aided by his 
devoted wife, who, in consecration and faith? 
was never lacking but was always a source of 
strength and support to her husband in the 



155 

great work in which he was engaged. She 
always fully co-operated with him, to render 
all his methods and plans efficient and success- 
ful. Her manner was different from his, but in 
the means and methods employed in the revival 
work: they were a unit, and fully enjoyed each 
others confidence and support. 

CHAPTER XVL 

The Missionary Impulse. — Correspondence with Bishop Taylor. — 
The great Sacrifice required. — The self -surrender to work in 
Africa. — The Pledge demanded. — The engagement for work 
in Africa. — The Brooklyn Convention. — His Usefulness there. 
— An Inspiration to the Convention of Missionaries. — Account 
of Manager Rev D. G. Griffin. 

It was while laboring in the evangelistic 
work in Philadelphia, that Brother and Sister 
Willis decided to extend their usefulness to a 
foreign field. They were both given to the 
Lord, and whatever would be the divine will, 
they were ready to undertake. They had often 
talked about the Missionary work and had often 
felt a deepening desire to carry the gospel to the 
benighted and heathen lands. Very early in 
the life of Mrs. Willis the missionary impulse 
possessed her, and arrangements onee or twice, 
as has already been noticed, were completed for 
her to go as a missionary. But while being 
hindered and delayed, the desire never left her. 



156 

Scarcely less was the desire of Mr. Willis upon 
the same subject. He had long contemplated 
foreign work, and felt called to do missionary 
service. 

They had both had an early acquaintance 
with Bishop Taylor, who once before had taken 
the name of Mrs. Willis for his work, and who 
w T as now launching the great enterprise of rais- 
ing a missionary band, which he expected to 
lead into the centre of Africa, and establish a 
line of missionary stations in the Dark Continent, 
commencing at St. Paul de Loanda and extend- 
ing through the interior. Mr. Willis now 
communicated his desire for a place of service 
in the missionary field, to Bishop William 
Taylor, who was already well acquainted with 
Brother and Sister Willis, and who replied in 
the following interesting letter : 

New York, November 18, 1884. 
Dear Brother and Sister Willis : 

Your favor of the 12th inst. received and 
considered. The only place open to you in my 
work just now is the Dark Continent. I have 
no knowledge of what shall befall us there. 
We propose to enter at St. Paul de Loanda, 9° 
south of the equator. Our objective point will 
be the Tushelange country, about one thousand 



157 

miles from Loanda. Now whether the Lord 
will leave us travel a thousand miles to place ot 
beginning or have us begin at place of entrance 
and establish a line of stations from the coast to 
the heart of the continent we know not. 

Our conditions for Africa candidates are, 
1. Passage paid to the field of labor. 2. When 
settled dow T n in a new field to depend on God 
and his African resources for subsistence. 
3. To draw their salary at heaven's exchequer 
when the day's work is done and heaven becomes 
our home. The privations and perils are too 
great for any one who is not so conscientiously 
called of God as to invest his life in it. We 
don't go to die but to live and labor for God ; 
but to die cheerfully if the Lord shall deliver us 
to death, that he may deliver us from death. 

We shall dwell in tents as did Isaac, Abra- 
ham and Jacob. No conveyances on our line of 
travel except to carry ourselves on our own legs, 
All our things have to be carried by men. I 
am having small trunks made covered with 
tin. The trunks to weigh about sixteen pounds, 
Contents of our clothing, books, etc, forty pounds 
— fifty-six pounds a man's load. Our people 
can send their things in any rude box to care 
of Baker, Pratt & Co., 17 Bond Street, New 
York, and then pack in the small trunks. 



158 

Each passenger can have one or two of these 
trunks. They can ship larger cases to Loauda 
and take the chance of leaving or losing them 
there. 

Now dear Brother and Sister Willis if you 
can face the dark side of the fact and possibili- 
ties of this work, and feel sure that God calls to 
Africa, then you may consider yourselves 
engaged. I have to go in ten days, my party 
not for two or three months. 

Your Brother, 

William Taylor. 

This opportunity with all its perils Brother 
and Sister Willis duly considered and were 
ready to comply with its awful requirements 
and undertake the work. They felt that it was 
the open door that God wanted them to enter? 
and accordingly they were willing to go and 
put their lives 7 if needs be, into this great Mis- 
sionary enterprise. They loved Christ and his 
church above their own lives, and were willing 
to undertake great and perilous things for his 
name's sake. The engagement was at once made 
and they became subject to the call of the 
Bishop, who expected that his company of mis- 
sionaries would start from New York for 
Africa on the 22d of January, 1885. 



159 

However, before the departure of the mis- 
sionaries, a holiness convention for missionaries 
to Central Africa was called to be held in 
Carroll Park Methodist Episcopal Church, on 
Carroll Street, Brooklyn, New York, Rev. H. 
C. McBride, Pastor, to begin Thursday, Janu- 
ary 15th, at 10 o'clock A. M., and continue one 
week, when the expedition was to sail for 
Loanda, via. Liverpool, by the Innran Line, 
from Pier 36, North River, New York, at 9 
o'clock A. M. 

At the call of the Bishop, Mr. Willis and 
wife arrived at Brooklyn from their field of 
labor at Philadelphia, and reported to this con- 
vention at the beginning, ready to enjoy its 
blessing and to further its interests in any 
way possible. It was soon ascertained that 
their services might be turned to good account 
in the work of the convention. 

In this convention both Brother and Sister 
Willis took some important part and received 
overflowing blessings. During these meetings 
Mrs. Willis records in her journal, some things 
with regard to her work and experience. Once 
she says: " We had a most precious meeting 
to-day. Truly this is tarrying in the upper 
room." In another place, January 18th, she 
says : " Our last Sunday in America. Rev. A. 



160 

Lowry pi eached this morning a most profitable 
sermon from James, 5:20, 'Let him know that 
he which converteth a sinner from the error of 
his w T ay, etc. 7 I am so glad that I am one of 
the soul-winners. Dear Father help me to 
improve every opportunity." 

On Sunday afternoon of the convention, 
Mrs. Willis spoke, and much power attended 
the word ; many, and especially mothers, 
sought heart purity, and with tears in their 
eyes, rejoiced in the help the words of the 
speaker had afforded them. On Monday even- 
ing, January 19th, she was requested to conduct 
the altar services, when God again blessed the 
word, and the altar and five rows of seats were 
filled with seekers, some for pardon and some 
for purity. 

On Sunday evening, January 19th, at Sand 
Street M. E. Church, Mr. Willis preached his 
last sermon in America. The society had asked 
the convention for a preacher, and Mr. Willis 
was sent. A glorious meeting was had, souls 
sought God, and the pastor wished that Brother 
Willis mio;ht remain to conduct further revival 
work. 

Rev. D. G. Griffith, the conductor of these 
meetings found in Mr. Willis a brother dearly 
beloved and a helper that he greatly prized. 



161 

On being requested to write a few words 
concerning Brother Willis for this volume, the 
following valuable tribute was cheerfully fur- 
nished : 

" The subject of this volume came to the 
Brooklyn Convention convened by Rev. A. E. 
Withey and Bishop Taylor, direct from the field 
of victory, Philadelphia, bringing his devoted 
wife and only child, anxious for his field and 
work to which he felt that God had called him. 
Africa was on his heart, he was devoted to God, 
to his family, to sinners and to his work as an 
evangelist, especially, now, to Bishop Taylor's 
expedition; he believed in the Bishop. He 
was full of love, full of faith, he believed read- 
ily, he spoke easily, lithe in body he moved 
easily, quickly. He saw no obstacles to one's 
being instantly saved and wholly. He himself 
being wholly consecrated and received by Christ 
was as he believed wholly sanctified. The 
week alloted to the departing missionaries from 
New York was a busy one, and yet he seemed 
best pleased when in the real work of soul-sav- 
ing. Speaking from the pulpit, praying up the 
aisles, calling men to have faith now at the 
same time joyously praising God that 'it comes, 5 
is coming 4 still J and again speaking to have 
faith now, now. He was an inspiration in the 



162 

convention which we could hardly have dig* 
pensed with, and can never forget. He was 
quickened by the Spirit to discernment, he 
seemed never to find his place so much as the 
glorious life he had within found in him a 
heavenly place. Young, medium height and 
weight, face pure and white, hair dark, eyes full 
and earnest, and loving to look into, salvation 
was his cry, Africa at any and every cost. His 
universal thought and desire were to go into 
the Dark Continent to show them God. He 
would not think of small means, nor stop at 
half measure. His was a whole burnt offering." 

CHAPTER XVIL 

Departure for Africa.— The Voyage. — Entertainments on Ship- 
board —Storm in crossing Atlantic. — Arrival at Liverpool.-^ 
Kindness of Fowler Brothers.— On board Steamship Biafra. 
—A Coast Storm.— Mrs. Willis' protracted illness. — Kind" 
ness of Friends. — Maderia Island. — Sierre Leone. — Conver- 
sion of Mr. Wilson.— A Wedding at Sea. — Crew boys. — 
Meeting Bishop Taylor.— Landing at Mayumba. 

, The convention having closed, the mission- 
aries were to present themselves with all 
necessary outfit and equipments at Pier 36, 
North River, New York, on January 22d, at 
nine o'clock A. M., to sail for Loan da via. Liv- 
erpool, by the Inman Line steamship. Accord- 
ingly Brother and Sister Willis with their little 



163 

boy, not two years old, were at hand and ready 
to sail with the out-going company. 

The feelings and hopes of this devoted band 
of missionaries, as they left their native shore 
may be seen more clearly from a few words 
which we here quote from a page in Mrs. Willis' 
journal, written on board the Steamship Montreal, 
which carried them to Liverpool enroute for 
Africa. In it under date of January 22, 1885, 
she says : " Set sail this morning from Pier 36, 
on steamship Montreal for Africa. Our party 
are all happy and well. Last night at our 
farewell meeting we had a most precious time. 
Truly this has been a tarrying at Jerusalem. 
Rev. William M'Donald of Boston was there 
and gave our party words of cheer. Bless God, 
we rejoice to go to Africa. This morning while 
the dear ones were standing on the dock, weep- 
ing and waving a fond farewell we felt more 
like shouting than weeping, many did shout, 
Mr. Willis among the number. We feel that 
it is a great privilege to be a member of Bishop 
Taylor's first expedition to central Africa ; our 
war cry is 'Africa for Jesus.' May the Lord 
God of Joshua go before us as he did before 
him, and give us the hosts of central Africa for 
himself, and the same God give us the same 
promise. u Have not I commanded thee? Be 



164 

strong and of good courage; be not afraid, 
neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God 
is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 5 My 
promise for today is beautiful — The eternal 
God is thy refuge and underneath are the ever- 
lasting arms/' 

The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, from 
New York to Liverpool lasted eleven days, and 
for the most part was a stormy one, and some- 
times perilous. Mr. Willis from on board the 
vessel after a severe storm, January 28, 1885, 
writes : " We are all safe in the arms of the 
Almighty. Yesterday we had indications of a 
storm. I was anxious for it — anxious to see 
the power of the ocean. Some shrank back a 
little but I was anxious for it to come. I knew 
that our ship was a good strong one and that 
we were in the hands of God. The sea became 
very high in the afternoon and continued to 
increase until night. We thought at night that 
the ocean was nearly at his best but in this we 
were mistaken. I only partially undressed when 
I lay down for the night — Spent all the after- 
noon and a greater part of the night in watch- 
ing the waters. Toward night the waters 
frequently swept over the deck. Some of us got 
a taste of salt water and in return came near 
giving salt water a taste of us. As night came 



165 

on the storm increased to a fearful hurricane, 
and our vessel seemed to strain every timber to 
withstand the force of the sea. Wife and I 
talked until about half past one o'clock at night, 
when I fell into a little doze. At two o'clock 
I was awakened by the most frightful noise you 
could imagine. It seemed as if the ship was 
being ground to pieces between mighty ice-bergs, 
and every timber groaned. She quivered — she 
struggled — a crash — a roar — and in much less 
time than I can tell it the waters came surging 
through below. Every passage, every state 
room— pantry , cabin, and every thing was flooded. 
I was not slow in getting into my clothes and 
protector. I then rushed from my room. I 
had not a thought of fear, yet, I was waiting to 
hear the cry : ' To the life- boats. 5 Kissed wife 
and Ossion, telling them to stay in their berth 
until I saw the extent of the damage. I was 
almost first in the halls, several others appear- 
ing about the same time. We were in a sad 
plight. No one knew then where the break 
was or its extent. I soon discovered that the 
companion way had been crushed in by an aft 
wave, but did not know what else had been 
damaged. We were soon in line and bailing 
out water, and oh, what a time. For an hour 
and a quarter we strained every nerve to get the 



166 

water bailed out. We dipped about twenty-five 
pails per minute. After that we worked with 
more ease for another hour or two when we 
were relieved to praise God and rest while the 
sailors finished. They could not come to our 
relief for nearly an hour. Many things were 
spoiled on board. Our boatswain was washed 
overboard, and thrown back on deck by another 
wave. Two of his ribs were broken. Through 
all this storm and clanger, Jesus kept us from 
fear and we are all right." This vessel had 
crossed the Atlantic one hundred and eight 
times, and the captain said that he had never 
witnessed such a storm before. 

After this storm was over the rest of the 
voyage to Liverpool was quite pleasant. The 
weather became more settled, the sky was 
sometimes cloudless and the sea quite calm for 
the time of year. 

The experiences on ship board were not con- 
fined to sea sickness and storms, for there were 
many delightful entertainments. The early 
morning prayer service was conducted by Rev. 
A. E. Withey of Massachusetts, to whose 
fatherly care was committed the entire mission- 
ary party. After breakfast was served all who 
were able, took a stroll on deck, then came the 
morning assembly for bible study. As the 



167 

officers of the steamer daily consulted the chart 
that they might avoid the ice-bergs, the rocks 
and the shoals, and bring the vessel safely into 
port, so these faithful servants of God out on 
life's ocean, sought the chart of His blessed 
word, that their voyage might end in the haven 
of eternal rest. Rev. Charles Eadcliff of Eng- 
land, was among the passengers, and having 
devoted much study to the proper training of 
children and the simplified methods of primary 
instruction, he conducted each morning a 
" phonetic method " class for the benefit of the 
children on board, of whom there were twelve 
or fifteen. In the afternoon there was a short 
discourse by some one of the missionaries and 
in the evening a short sermon was delivered, to 
which the steerage passengers were invited. 
Mr. Willis preached several times in the even- 
ing during the voyage across the Atlantic. 
" My word shall not return unto me void " had 
here a precious fulfilment, for many of the 
steerage passengers professed conversion. Mrs. 
Willis was so ill she was not able to attend many 
of these services. 

The voyage across the Atlantic was com- 
pleted, the vessel reached Liverpool on the night 
of February 1st, and the company landed in 
safety on the morning of February 2d. Mr. 



168 

Willis writes from Liverpool and says : " We 
are here at last. Find this a wonderful, stirring 
city, full of life. Our voyage across the Atlantic 
lasted eleven days. Most of the time we had 
storms, but bless the dear Lord we are all here 
although we suffered much and were in great 
peril. If God had not been with us we should 
have perished." 

On their arrival at Liverpool they were met 
by members of the firm of Fowler Brothers, 
wholesale produce merchants of that city. 
They carry on an immense business, and have 
several branch establishments, one of which is 
located at Cincinnati. These gentlemen are 
deeply interested in Bishop Taylor's work in 
Africa and are the representatives of his work 
for England. They are widely known for their 
Christian benevolence and philanthropy. The 
entire party were conveyed at once to the 
Hurst Hotel where the Fowler Brothers had 
generously arranged for their comfort and 
entertainment. 

On Wednesday, February 4th, after a stay 
of but two days in Liverpool, Mr. Willis, wife 
and child embarked with the missionary com- 
pany on board the steamship Biafra, bound for 
Loanda, on the West coast of Central Africa. 
The course of the vessel was to be by the way 



169 

of Gibraltar, Maderia Islands, Liberia, stopping 
at the most important towns along the West 
coast of .Africa until it reached Loan da. 

After the departure of the vessel from Liv- 
erpool a storm was soon again encountered and 
the company for some days suffered extremely 
so that almost every one on board was sea-sick. 
The storm was so severe that for two clays and 
two nights the fires were washed out almost as 
soon as they were kindled, and on one night the 
ship masters did not try to run the vessel, but 
only kept the bearings. The seamen said that 
they never had encountered such a severe and 
continued storm. 

At Liverpool many friends urged Mrs, Willis 
to . return to America as she was so greatly 
reduced through sea sickness. She felt however, 
that having suffered so much from this cause 
in crossiiig the Atlantic, she would not be 
troubled from it in the future. The first day 
out she was again stricken down however, and 
throughout the days of the storm her sufferings 
were terrible. On one occasion the officers of the 
Biafra carried her from the stateroom into which 
no fresh air had come for three days, and v> 7 hile 
the rain was falling in torrents, they strapped 
her to a chair and lashed it fast to one of 
the masts of the steamer. Wrapped in a great 



170 

rubber coat with the winds whistling above her 
and the waves washing over the decks, she 
thought of Him who " Maketh the storm a calm '' 
and prayed for the hour when He should say 
" Peace, be still." When she returned to the 
stateroom Mr. Willis was occupying the upper 
berth also very sick. In fact nearly all of the 
seventy passengers were sick during the storm, 
including the doctors. 

The coast steamers can accommodate com- 
fortably, about twenty-five passengers, but from 
the large number of missionaries and traders on 
board every stateroom was crowded. Mrs. 
Willis in this very trying hour while wishing 
in her heart for some greater comforts, thought 
now and then of the loved ones in the land of 
her birth and the home of her youth, surrounded 
by all that can make one peaceful and happy, 
but there was no shrinking from the duties of 
the hour or a single regret for the step taken 
for the Master. If a cloud passed over her sky 
it was immediately dispelled by the sweet 
consolations of Paul, " My God shall supply all 
your needs." Phil : 4-19. 

Captain Thomas very kindly sent his stew- 
ard to Mrs. Willis, after her return to the state- 
room, expressing his sorrow at her extreme 
illness and insisting that she should vacate her 



171 

room and accept the use of the Captain's cabin 
during the rest of the voyage. A kindness so 
marked could not pass unnoted. 

As the vessel approached Madeira Island, 
Mr. Willis writes: u This is a most beautiful 
day, a clear sky and so warm that we are as 
happy as bees in midsummer. Everybody is on 
deck to-day. Some time to-night we will get 
to Madeira and land in the morning, so that we 
can visit on the Island for four or five hours. 
Then we shall get plenty of banannas, oranges 
and grapes. We shall make stops all the way 
down the coast," 

While all were assembled on deck singing 
their praises to Him who " plants his foot-steps 
in the sea and rides upon the storm," and 
chatting together over the deliverance from the 
ocean's yawning mouth, Mrs. Willis was for 
the first time introuduced to the traders on 
board, of whom there were several, on their 
way to their trading stations along the coast. 

The vessel touched at Madeira after a stormy 
voyage of eight days and stopped until the next 
day at 3 P. M. Mr. Willis and wife, together 
with others, improved the opportunity of land- 
ing and enjoying very much the scenes of the 
Island and rest in the city of St, Ann's. Here 
they felt as though they would like to live and 



172 

die. It was a land of beautiful scenery and 
of high mountains, with fruits and flowers, 
almost the year round. It was truly a Summer 
land — attractive in the extreme. 

After their return to the steamer much 
amusement was caused by the divers who had 
come out in their canoes ; n great numbers to 
exhibit their skill in diving for six pences and 
other coin which was thrown for them into the 
water. The kindness and respect for Mr. and 
Mrs. Willis by the traders was manifested in 
many ways. Magnificient boquets of flowers 
and baskets of the choicest fruits were bought 
on board for them, and just before leaving, a 
boat pulled along side of the steamer and an 
elegant bamboo invalid chair was lifted to the 
deck, and while all were admiring it, one of the 
traders kindly said : " Mrs. Willis, are you 
pleased with it?" " Who do you think it is 
for ? " Of course she could not tell, and without 
waiting for an answer, he said : " Your friends 
have purchased it for you. We are sorry that 
you have been so sick and still suffer so much 
and we will esteem it a favor to have you accept 
this slight token of our regard, and will thus 
permit us to add to your comfort." 

From the anchorage at Madeira Islands, 
the ship sailed on its course at 3 P. M., February 



173 

12th, and the next day about noon passed the 
beautiful snow-capped mountain of Teneriffe, 
one of the Canarie group, two hundred and 
forty miles from Madeira. Its top is covered 
with snow while at its base is a real Summer. 

It is not strange that Mrs. Willis sometimes 
wondered what God's purpose could be in per- 
mitting her to be sick so much while on the 
way to labor for Him. But " He moves in a 
mysterious way, His wonders to perform," and 
there came a day when she saw His righteous 
purposes unfolded and sweet was the flower of 
her ripened experience. Among the passengers 
was an English gentleman by the name of 
Wilson, (an assumed name.) By his noble, 
, manly bearing and reserved manner, he won the 
respect of all. He was introduced to Mrs. 
Willis at the same time she met the traders on 
the steamer. He was somewhat shy of the mis- 
sionaries as were the traders generally, but one 
afternoon he met her on the upper deck and 
engaged in conversation. After inquiring con- 
cerning her health and expressing his sorrow 
at her prolonged illness, he said : " You should 
have taken the advice of the Captain when you 
were about leaving Liverpool and have returned 
to America, You are entirely too delicate to 
withstand the ravages of the African climate. 



What do you hope to accomplish among such 
degraded heathen? You ought to return as 
speedily as possible and let these poor Africans 
take care of themselves. I don't believe in this 
missionary business any how. I am a free 
thinker." She felt in a moment that God had 
sent this poor soul to her for spiritual guidance. 
How could she convince him of his error? 
Quick as the meteor's flash, the words of inspir- 
ation came, "Not by might nor by power, but by 
my spirit saith the Lord." She realized that 
no time must be lost in argument, so sending a 
prayer heavenward for direction, she related to 
him the following simple but touching story ; 
"In a certain home, a sweet, bright eyed little 
girl of eight summers was the pride of the 
father's and mother's hearts. The mother wai 
a devoted, faithful^ Christian woman, but the 
father was an infidel. He tried to teach the 
child the principles of infidelity, but for the 
mother's sake permitted her to attend the Sab- 
bath school near their home, saying, ' it cannot 
do her much harm." 

One day the little daughter was taken sick 
and at her request the Sabbath school teacher 
was sent for and prayed with her. The doctor 
pronounced her disease black diptheria and 
gave but little hope of her recovery. Two days 



175 

after, she was taken much worse and the 
teacher was sent for again. The mother sat by 
the bed side, fanning the fevered brow of the 
little sufferer, while the father was pacing the 
floor in anguish of mind. Suddenly the little 
one called her papa to her side and taking his 
hand she said in a voice so strangely sweet, 
4 Papa, you have often told me that there was 
no God, no Saviour, no heaven. Mamma has 
taught me that Jesus came all the way from 
heaven to save everybody who would love him. 
She has taught me that there is a God and a 
home in heaven for all who are good. The 
doctor says that I must die, that I cannot get 
well. I feel that I am dying now. Papa, as I 
, am going away so soon, what shall I do ? Shall 
I take your God or mamma's God?' The father 
with heart almost breaking and the scalding 
tears streaming down his face, said: c Oh, my 
darling, take your mother's God ! take your 
mother's God ! ' " 

When Mrs. "Willis had finished the story, 
Mr. Wilson was weeping bitterly, and without 
a word abruptly left her and actually ran down 
the deck. She sent heavenward a prayer that 
God would touch his heart as the story had 
stirred his emotions. Mrs. Withey having 
noticed Mr. Wilson weeping asked Mrs. Willis 



176 



if she had been talking to him about his soul, 
and when she learned the cause of his strange 
action said, "It is wonderful for I see he is under 
deep conviction." Mr. Rudolph said, "Now my 
sister I begin to see why God has so afflicted 
you." Mr. Wilson soon returned and said, "Oh, 
Mr. Willis, what made yon tell me that story ! 
what made you tell me that story ! ! " If you 
had known the history of my life you could not 
have told it better. I am not a free thinker. 
If any one ever went to heaven my wife has 
gone there." He then told her the story of his 
life. He was the son of wealthy parents in 
England and had been an officer in the Royal 
Navy. Some years before he had married a 
sweet christian lady, but after seven years of 
happy wedded life she died. A few months 
after he buried his little boy only six years old, 
his only child. At the grave he cursed God 
because of his desolation and bitter sorrow. 
He became a wanderer and a profligate, and 
was breaking his father's heart. He spent a 
good part of his fortune. He deserted the 
Navy and went to India. Not thinking it safe 
he started for America, on his way he met an 
actress and they went to Australia. He was 
so miserable he had left his wife in Australia, 
and feeling; that he had ruined his life and 



177 

brought sorrow to those he loved, he was now 
going down the coast to die." Mr. and Mrs. 
Willis pointed him to Jesus Christ the sinner's 
friend and gave hira a copy of the little book, 
" Daily Food" containing so many sweet prom- 
ises of God which he promised to read. He 
landed at a station between Bonny and Old 
Calabar, and two weeks after he died of hasty 
consumption. 

No other stop was made until the African 
coast was reached at Sierra Leone. Here their 
ship arrived early in the morning of Februaiw 
19th. An opportunity was now offered for any 
one to land that desired, but as Sierra Leone 
was said to be a very unhealthy place on ac 
count of African fever it is commonly called 
the " white man's grave," nearly all the com- 
pany refused to land. But as the ship was to 
lie anchored for six or eight hours, Mr. Willis 
thought it a splendid opportunity to go 
ashore. Mrs. Willis could not go, but stayed 
on board to keep the child Ossian. Accord- 
ingly, with some traders and fortune seekers, 
Mr. Willis landed on the African shore about 
nine or ten o'clock A. M. Accompanied by a 
young German gentleman from Indiana, U. S. 
A., who was on his way to the Congo, near the 
Equator, he called on the American Consul, 



178 

Mr. Lewis. The Consul and his excellent wife 
invited them to breakfast, and the hospitality 
was accepted. The breakfast, Mr. Willis pro- 
nounced good. It consisted of liver, poached 
eggs, bread and butter, tea and coffee, greens, 
onions, oranges banannas, and many other 
palatable things, such as the climate and soil 
produced. After breakfast they were enter- 
tained with piano music, singing, and instruc- 
tive conversation, At the request of Mr. 
Willis, the consul and wife visited Mrs. Willis 
and child on board the vessel before the 
departure from Sierra Leone. 

Mrs. Willis writes as follows. " Our next 
stop was at Moravia, at which place we 
expected to take Bishop Taylor on board, the 
Bishop having preceded the expedition one 
month to Liberia,, to preside over the M. E. Con- 
ference at Moravia, on the Liberian coast. It 
was near evening when we anchored oft 1 Mora- 
via ; but soon after anchoring, one of the large 
surf boats was lowered, and a number of the 
gentlemen of our party accompanied by the 
Bishop's son went on shore to meet the Bishop. 
Meantime those on board found plenty to 
interest them, scores of little canoes were lying 
alongside, whose occupants were clambering up 
the ship's sides like monkeys, uttering exclama- 



179 

tions of surprise at seeing so many 'white mam- 
mies and pickaninies,' keeping their eyes open 
for a chance to steal anything they could lay 
their hands on. But the cannon on the fore- 
castle is booming, a signal for return and soon 
the splash of oars is heard, and we gather in joy- 
ful expectancy on the upper deck to welcome 
our beloved Bishop. Our joyousness is turned 
to keen disappointment when good Brother 
Withey informs us that he has gone on to Cape 
Palmas to visit our mission station there, and 
await our coming. We are now running along 
the "Kru" coast, and every few hours we drop 
anchor, from two to five miles from shore, the 
canon booms again and again, and through our 

o ft " ft 

glasses we can see natives hurrying to and fro 
on shore, canoes are launched through the surf, 
and in a remarkably short time are alongside* 
Then commences a big palaver between traders 
and Kru boys. Kru boys are natives living 
just below the coast of Liberia, and are em- 
ployed by the traders as far south as Mossam- 
edes to manage their surf boats. The steamers 
always anchor from two to five miles from the 
beach and it is necessary for the transfer of 
cargoes, etc. that experienced hands should man 
the surf boats. The Kru boys have been 
employed from the time of the first Portugese 



180 

settlement on the West coast, and are chosen 
because of their being expert surf swimmers and 
for their great muscular power. 

Bj this time w r e have become quite well 
acquainted with the traders on board, among 
them a Mr. Evans, returning from a visit to 
his family in Wales, to his trading station at 
Mayumba. Mr. Evans has become very much 
interested in our expedition, and is very anxious 
that Mr. Willis and myself should stop at 
Mayumba with him and establish a mission 
there. 

On the 22d of February we reached Cape 
Pal mas, a delegation from our party and several 
of the traders go on shore to meet the Bishop. 
Our anxiety to see him has become so intense 
that we can do nothing but stand on the upper 
deck and watch for the surf boat which is to 
bring our party to the steamer. Far in the 
distance she comes gliding over the waters, 
every eye is strained to see that one dear face. 
Ah ! there he is, see, they are waving their 
hats, and now we hear singing. The boat 
comes alongside, we gather near the railing of 
the upper deck, the Bishop is coming up the 
steps, it is the same majestic form, the same 
kingly bearing, the same holy countenance— 
our Paul of the nineteenth century. Every 



181 

eye is dimmed with tears of joy while " Father 
Taylor" embraces each one of his faithful band. 
Words of mutual love are spoken and then 
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow" 
bursts forth from every lip. It is Sunday 
morning, a perfect tropical day, and as we all 
gather on deck to listen to an excellent dis- 
course by the Right Rev. Deacon Hamilton, 
Episcopal Arch Deacon of Africa, we feel that 

"Heaven comes down, our souls to greet. 
And glory crowns the Mercy Seat." 

Our next stop is at Bonny, at which place 
Arch Deacon Hamilton leaves us. He had 
most favorably impressed every one on board, 
as a noble, christian gentleman. We pray God 
to spare this good man's life many years to 
continue the w T ork he has accomplished in the 
region of the great Jiiger, where for twenty- 
five years he has faithfully toiled, establishing 
important mission stations and by his consis- 
tent life has won the universal esteem of the 
coast traders. It was at Bonny that I had my 
first real glimpse of life among the West Afri- 
can natives. One morning our kind Captain 
Thomas asked me if I would not like to take a 
little trip down the river, in the Biafra's steam 
launch and visit a native village. As I was» 



182 

much improved in health, I told him it would 
afford me great pleasure, so I don my bush 
suit made of light weight blue flannel and con- 
sisting of pants, cut by a Philadelphia tailor, 
kilt skirt falling to the knees, and blouse waist, 
high boots of alligator tops and kangaroo bot- 
toms, tropical hat, made of light India cork, 
and am ready. No ! wait a minute I have for- 
gotten my big umbrella. There now, I am 
ready. Our steam launch and two small boats 
have been lowered, so have the steps from the 
upper deck ; but all of the party are not going ; 
so good-bye for a few hours. Now, then we 
are seated in one of the boats, several of the 
traders in the other, a stout rope is attached 
from each one of the small boats to the steam 
launch. Now, my good Kru boys, look out, 
watch your paddles, or there will be a collision, 
which must be avoided, as these waters abound 
in man eaters. And though we imagine an 
American missionary would be a dainty 
morsel, we have no desire to be served up in 
this style. While we have been talking about 
the sharks, our boats have left the steamer far 
in the distance. Let us take a look around us. 
Native canoes dot the water here and there. 
Yonder are several ships from far distant ports 
lying at anchor; on either side of the river, in 



183 

some places the dense tropical vegetation 
crowds the low banks ; in others, marshes and 
mangrave swamps abound, but our boats are 
headed for the shore, and as we wish to learn 
something about an African village, we will 
go with them. The Kru boys have lifted their 
paddles, but how are we going to land? Surely 
we are not going to wade ashore? While these 
queries have been running through my mind, 
several of the Kru boys have jumped into the 
water ; one of them backs up against the end of 
the boat and Captain Thomas, who like Zacheus 
was short of statue, but instead of climbing into 
a tree, climbs on a Kru man's shoulders, and 
sitting astride is carried safely ashore, as I see 
ray dignified friend doing this act so nicely, 
my sense of the ludicrous is awakened and I 
mentally ejaculate : 

1 O wad some power the giftie gie us. 
To see ourselves as ithers see us." 

Captain Thomas has been giving one of the Kru 
boys some instruction and he steps up to the 
boat, takes me in his arms, and carries me to 
shore, as carefully and tenderly as if I had been 
a babe. We rest a few minutes and then start 
into the bush. Which way shall we go? Ah, here 
is a narrow zig zag path ; let us see where it 
will lead us. We go about a half mile when we 



184 

come to a sort offence made by placing tall posts 
of bamboo close together, which have sprouted 
out forming quite a baracade ; inside of this 
enclosure are two or three dirty, shallow cisterns, 
here the path is intersected by another, both 
leading into the dense bush, we take the one to 
the left and soon reach the village. An old 
woman spies us and disappears into a hut, pretty 
soon the fetish doctor comes out and comes 
toward us. Then begins a gesture palaver on 
both sides and soon we make him understand 
that we want to walk through the village. He 
first offers us some mimbo (palm wine) but we 
refuse it and walk on. 0, what a foul, dirty 
place, a few odd looking porkers are lying 
around or walking in and out of the huts at 
pleasure, and two or three lean dogs snarl at us. 
Their huts, the largest of ivhich can't be more 
than sixteen feet by twenty feet are built of 
clay, and thached with grass or bark. The 
villagers themselves, wear scarcely no clothing, 
the very small children none at all. They seem 
to be thriftless, dirty and lazy. As we leave 
the village some of the women run after us beg- 
ging. I yield up every loose bit of apparel I 
have with me, and hastened away, as their 
clamoring makes me feel uneasy. We are again 
carried to the boats and return to the steamer. 



185 

The next morning we anchor alongside of an 
immense hulk lying in the river, and while our 
steamer is being lightened of some of her cargo, 
we accept a cordial invitation from the trader 
in charge of the hulk to hold a meeting on 
board, and enjoyed an excellent Bible reading 
conducted by the Bishop, 

Under date of February 26th Mr, Willis 
writes : " We stopped at Monrovia Saturday 
night. Took Bishop Taylor on board at Cape 
Palmas on Sunday morning, the 22d inst. We 
have on board one hundred black men, some of 
them cannibals. Nearly all of them are naked, 
except that they wear a small piece of goods 
about their hips. Hundreds came out in canoes 
to see us. Their canoes are a sort of hollowed 
out tree, Many came on board and bought 
such articles as they needed. They call our 
ladies " white mammy s." Our boat is now 
lying to at Bonny, A chief came aboard this 
morning, and also, a great many natives. This 
afternoon the king is coming, he has 150 slaves 
for oarsmen. At 3 P. M., Mrs, Willis and I are 
going ashore. A trader has given us a boat 
and as many oarsmen as we wish. We have 
everything we need, Mrs, Willis and I are 
very well. One of our company is very sick 
from typhoid fever. A number have had Afri- 



186 

can fever. The climate seems to agree with 
us perfectly well and we are happy. Yesterday 
w r as a big day on board. We had a wedding, 
wife and I were bridesmaid and groomsman. 
The upper deck was enclosed with English, 
National and Individual flags, and as the parties 
were from the United States, the stars and 
stripes were over us. The ceremony was 
according to the English custom, and as soon as 
it was over about fifty men began throwing 
rice at us and oh, such a time. They had a 
tubful and they used it to the best possible 
advantage." 

Under date of February 25, 1885, Mrs. 
Willis writes : "A wedding on the sea. This 
has been a day of excitement. At half past 
two this afternoon Rev. C. L. Davenport was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Myers, M. D. 
a graduate of Boston Medical college. This 
morning the upper deck was decorated with all 
the ship's flags, etc. At half past one the 
heavy cannon on the forecastle began booming, 
and continued at intervals of every ten minutes 
until the bride and groom had taken their 
places before the officiating clergymen. Rev. 
Hamilton," Arch Deacon of Africa, Church of 
England, and Bishop Taylor of M. E. Church 
of America, performing the ceremony. Hus- 



187 

band was the groom's best man and I was 
bridesmaid. Every one is having a gala day. 
Missionaries, traders, stewards, sailors and even 
the Kru boys are celebrating the event in some 
way or other." 

We reached Old Calabar on Saturday even- 
ing. On Sabbath morning we go on shore and 
proceed to the Scotch Presbyterian Mission, in 
charge of Rev. Anderson, a saintly man who 
has spent his life in mission work — forty years 
of which had been given to the work at Old 
Calabar. They have excellent mission build- 
ings. Most of the material having been sent 
from Liverpool for their construction. The 
currency of the natives consists of bent pieces 
of wire. They look very much like an immense 
hair pin, or croquette wicket, these the natives 
wear or string on one arm, before going to 
the native market. I walked about quite a lit- 
tle on Sunday, and towards evening began to 
feel very ill. On Monday, clear Father Anderson 
secured a hammock and two carriers and I was 
taken to the boat and conveyed to the steamer. 
I shall never forget how, when Father Anderson 
bade me good bye he placed his hand upon my 
head and with tears running down his cheeks, 
gave me his blessing. On Monday morning 
our captain took Bishop Taylor and some 



188 

of the party up the river in the steam 
launch. After leaving Old Calabar I was ill 
for many days. And though our steamer 
touched at several places I did not again go on 
shore until we reached Mayumba. 

Under date March 4th on board the steamship 
Biafra Mr. Willis writes : " The day is very 
beautiful, temperature about 110° in the sun. 
We are passing St. Thomas Island, bordering 
on the Equator. We spent Sunday and Monday, 
March 1st and 2d, at Old Calabar, on a river of 
the same, about forty miles from its mouth, and 
not far from the mouth of the Niger. Mrs. 
Willis, is very sick. I think the sun was too 
strong for her. To-day she seems better but is 
very ill. Ossian is well and strong and happy 
as one could wish. I am well but very weary. 
Just after day -break this morning we passed 
Princes Island and Three Brothers. The lat- 
ter are very small, and seem to be only high 
rocks rising out of the water. We are now 
very close to the Equator and will soon cross ; 
we are just now coming to the shore of St. 
Thomas and will remain a few hours. Wife is_ 
still very sick/' On March 6th the vessel 
anchored at Gaboon, on the African coast, on 
the Equator, and on the 9th reached Mayumba, 
2° 3' South Latitude and 10° East Longitude, on 



189 

the west coast of Africa and two hundred and 
fifty miles north of the Congo River." 

According to a new arrangement on board 
the vessel, Mayumba was to be the starting 
point for a future missionary station, It was 
no part of the original plan that any mission- 
aries should be stationed here nor any place 
north of the Tuscolange country but the entire 
company under Bishop Taylor were to land 
at St. Paul De Loanda, and thence proceed into 
the interior, forming a line of stations. But 
owing to what was deemed a providential open- 
ing, the Bishop concluded to set off missionaries 
and establish a mission at Mayumba. This 
new arrangement was effected on this wise: 
On board the steamship Biafra, were a number 
of coast traders, returning to Africa from Liv- 
erpool ; among thera a Mr. Evans, a man of 
means and influence, called along the coast of 
Africa "The white king." This man impor- 
tuned the Bishop to establish a mission at his 
place, Mayumba, making the offer to board 
and sustain the missionaries one year without 
charge. The offer afrer much prayer and 
deliberation was accepted and regarded as a pro- 
vidential call for the establishment of a mission 
in that quarter. To this station Mr. Willis 
was appointed as minister in charge, with his 



190 

wife Mrs. Anna Willis as assistant. The fol- 
lowing certificate bears testimony of their office 
and appointment : 

"This is to certify that I, William Taylor, 
a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
have this ninth day of March, 1885, appointed 
Henry M. Willis, preacher in charge of a new 
mission now to be founded on the self-support- 
ing plan at Mayumba, W. C. of Africa. I have 
also appointed his wife, Mrs. Anna C. Willis, 
assistant Missionary, both being accredited 
ministers of the gospel, as evangelists in the 
United States of America. They go purely on 
the gospel plan of self support — u The laborer 
is worthy of his hire" — to be paid by the people 
who get the benefit of their labors. 

I commend these dear young persons and 
their little boy to the confidence and considera- 
tion of the people with whom they may asso- 
ciate." 

" William Taylor, 
March 9, 1885. Mayumba, W. (J. of Africa. 

At the same time, Mr. F. B. Northam one 
of the Bishop's company from Connecticut, and 
a Mr. Stickleman a German from Indiana, 
lately converted were set off as associates, to 
found a plantation Rome place up the Mayumba 



191 

river for a mission farm school. Mr. and 
Mrs. Willis were the first of our missionaries 
to be vested with authority and credentials ot 
ministerial office and Mayumba was the first 
mission station established by Bishop Taylor 
on the west coast of Africa. 

Mrs. Willis says: "Our steamer cast anchor 
in Mayumba bay before daybreak and Mr. 
Evans said as I made my appearance on deck 
in the early morning, "Welcome to Mayumba." 
I looked toward the shore, it looked very pic- 
turesque as I stood there. On a narrow strip of 
glistening white beach were four or five traders' 
houses. Back of these flowed a beautiful river 
dotted with several small islands. 

From the opposite bank the land seemed to 
slope gently into high hills, covered from the 
base with dense tropical forests which I learned 
afterward were almost impenetrable to white 
men The preparations for landing had all 
been completed and the Bishop together with 
part of the missionaries were to accompany us 
on shore. The boats were furnished by the 
captain and Mr. Evans, and at the signal from 
the cannon on the forecastle the Kru boys put 
out from shore and were soon by the side of 
the steamer. In a large basket chair suspended 
from the vard-arm we were lowered into the boats. 



192 

Joyous expectation was mingled with the sad- 
ness of parting from friends who were bound to us 
by many sacred ties. The tearful " good-bye" 
on commencement days of classmates whose 
months of school life have woven the friend- 
ships tie forever ; the strange " farewell 7 ' of the 
soldiers whose weary months of toil and conflict 
have forged the tie of brotherhood seemed 
united in our experiences. Together we had 
sat at the feet of the Mighty Teacher. We 
had studied side by side the lesson of christian 
duty. We were soldiers of the Ring Immanue! 
and in his service of toil of conflict and of 
victory we were made one in purpose, one in 
life, and one in Christ. 

The fervent "God be with you till we meet 
again," and Old Hundred's Praise God from 
whom all blessings ilow," rent the air. The 
hands were uplifted, the heads were bowed and 
the benediction pronounced. A scene so strange 
and memorably sweet it comes as an inspiration 
as I write. The captain and officers of the 
steamer and the traders went on shore with us. 
Carriers came to the surf and I was lifted into a 
hammock and carried to the house only about 
three rods distant. It would have been impos- 
sible for me to walk through the white, hot and 
glistening sand. I found soon that the sand 



a 



19? 

was quite deep and very trying to the eyes. 
We landed about eight o'clock in the morning, 
and after lunch, the company made an inspection 
of our station, and about three o'clock they were 
escorted to the boats and amid the waving of 
handkerchiefs, and singing, and cheers, we bade 
them God speed* 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Steamer leaves Mayumba. — Temporary Home with Mt* 
Evans. -^Sunday Morning Services in Mr. Evans dining- 
room. — Visit to Mamby. — Mr. Willis and Ossian attacked 
with African fever. -^ A visit to the Native Villages. — A 
visit from King Mamby and many Natives.^ Customs of the 
Natives. 

As soon as the steamer disappeared from 
view, Mr. Willis and I go to our room and 
kneel in fervent prayer, that God may bless 
our coming to Mayumba. 

The house of Mr* Evans, which is to be our 
home for the time being, is a low, square build- 
ing, roofed with bamboo, and built on a founda^ 
tion of oyster shells with a veranda all around. 
It is cool and spacious, and stands on a sandy 
beach with the sea about twenty-five rods in 
front, and the Mayumba river about six rods in 
the rear. Just across the river, or lagoon, is a 
beautiful wooded country, which abounds with 



194 

wild cat, deer, monkeys, gorillas, and other 
animals which inhabit this region. 

Mr. Evans proves himself an excellent host, 
and we are all made to feel at home. During 
the afternoon Mr. Evans calls the boys together 
that do the housework, hands a large bunch of 
keys to me, and instructs the boys that while I 
remain there I will have full charge. In the 
evening, the white residents of Mayumba, and 
Mamby, of whom there are some ten persons out- 
side of our missionary party, met at Mr. Evans, 
and we passed an hour or two very pleasantly in 
getting acquainted. The Bishop had sent a small 
Mason and Hamlin organ ashore, and after 
music and singing, Mr. Evans invites us to have 
prayers, to which all remained, and having 
expressed their good wishes for our health and 
success bade us good night. We retire to rest, 
and notwithstanding the hardness* of the bed, 
troublesome roaches and other discomforts that 
cannot be remedied, we sleep very well. At 
half past six the bell rings for "tea" at eleven 
we will breakfast, at four have u tea" again and 
at six dinner will be served. As our house 
boasts of but little furniture, I have decided to 
try and make things look a little more home- 
like, which, with the aid of some bright calico, 



195 

a few boards and the valuable assistance of 
willing hands, is accomplished in a few daj^s. 
Our culinary department is sadly in need of 
reformation. Mr. Evans employs a native cook, 
who reigns supreme in our gaily (kitchen) a little 
low building, about one rod from the back door, 
built of bamboo sides, and thatched roof. Here 
he displays his skill in doing problems in curry, 
palm oil, red peppers, garlic and goat's flesh, 
which I am anxious to investigate. So one 
day I announced my intentions to Mr. Evans, 
who solemnly informs me that I will never eat 
another meal prepared by u cook" if I do. 
But on again expressing a desire to make things 
as homelike as possible he went with me to the 
galley to give cook orders to do whatever I 
said, warning him that he would receive a 
severe flogging if there was the least complaint, 
which, of course I was careful to avoid. That 
morning I did my first cooking in Africa ; but 
I had a sorry time. The substitute for a stove 
was merely a shelf built of bricks and clay some 
3 ft. high, 8 long and 8 to 4 wide, on one end 
of this shelf was built a clay oven, which was 
minus a door. As cook could not understand 
a half a dozen English words, I called Ponsua, 
Mr. Evans head house boy, to interpret for me. 
I then told Ponsua in pigeon English, to +ell 



196 

cook to make me " plenty much fire one time.** 
Meantime investigation had revealed to me 
several iron pots and frying pans, in different 
stages of cleanliness, which I proceeded to have 
washed. I then told Ponsua to have "plenty 
much fire made in them oven, and when them 
fire get plenty big take them out onetime,'* 
which direction elicited loud exclamations of 
surprise from cook, who had been in the habit 
of making a big fire in the oven and putting 
right in the fire and smoke what he wished to 
roast, sending it to the table smoked and burned 
on the outside and raw on the inside. After he 
had removed the smoking brands I had him 
scatter the red hot coals over the bottom of the 
oven, procure a piece of canvas for a door, and 
by breakfast time was able to have a nicely 
cooked roast served. But meantime the smoke 
from the fire on the shelf had been causing me 
great discomfort causing the tears to stream from 
fny eyes, so that when I emerged from the galley I 
Was nearly a smoked missionary. The breakfast 
Was pronounced by our traders to be a grand 
success, And indeed they ate as if they 
enjoyed the meal hugely. Oar meals were 
always served in courses, roast goat, stewed goat, 
fried goat, rice, etc. Between each course 
the boys took the plates out on the veranda and 



197 

brought them back clean. (?) On one occasion 
after my plate had been returned, I happened 
to notice the marks of a tongue as it had faith- 
fully done its duty round after round in " lick- 
ing the platter clean." I looked up at Mr. 
Evans who was laughing at my evident con- 
sternation, and said, " Begging your pardon, I 
ask the privilege of not having my plate 
changed between the courses, as I prefer 
to have my plate licked but once. 

On Saturday, the Kru men scrub the floors. 
We have no scrub brushes or brooms, so they 
use a piece of fibrous wood about the size of a 
brick. First the room is cleared of everything 
but the bedstead, upon which are piled gar- 
ments and all sorts of articles, then a lot of 
white sand is scattered on the floor, which is 
then deluged with water, and then eight or ten 
Kru men get down on their hands and knees, 
side by side, each one seeming determined to 
scrub but one plank, working to the time of the 
song they are singing. It is characteristic for 
the Kru boys to always sing while at their work. 
If they sing fast they w 7 ork fast. If they sing 
slowly they work accordingly. 

On Sunday morning, Mr. Willis holds ser- 
vices in Mr. Evans dining room for the traders, 
and in the evening preaches to the natives and 



198 

Kru boys. On Monday, Mr. Evans took Messrs 
Northam and Stickleman, to Mamby, (dis- 
tance seventeen miles up the river from May- 
umba) to select land for a mission plantation, 
but returned inside of three days each suffering 
from an attack of African fever. The next 
morning Mr. Willis and Ossian were both suf- 
fering from the same cause. I struggled bravely 
against the symptoms, but before six o'clock I 
was compelled to take to my bed. In a few hours 
I was delirious, Mr. Willis too ill to lift his head, 
and poor little Ossian lying in a stupor. Good, 
tender-hearted, Brother Northam, had by this 
time passed through the heaviest of the attack, 
and though very weak, crawled out of bed, and 
installed himself as nurse. Mr. Willis was the 
first to recover, then Ossian and in a few days 
I was able to walk about the house, but we 
were much reduced in strength. This was our 
first real experience of African fever (with the 
exception of the slight attack I had suffered on 
the journey down the coast) but it was not our 
last, for during the remainder of our stay in 
this deadly climate, we were subjected to 
repeated attacks of the fever. Still I firmly 
believe that with proper medical attention and 
plenty of wholesome food, such as we are 
accustomed to in our native land, that the white 



199 

man can live on the West Coast of equatorial 
Africa, if he is willing to sacrifice the comforts 
of civilization. I am sure much of our suffer- 
ing was due to the lack of proper medical care. 
Mr. Evans had a medicine chest ; but neither the 
traders or our party knew much about pre- 
scribing ; so we continued to take our daily por- 
tions of quinine as the Bishop had advised us. 
One night Ossian awoke us by his moaning, in a 
few minutes he was rolling over the bed in 
agony, which was followed by a deathlike 
stupor, a cold perspiration breaking out on the 
entire surface of the body, we thought he was 
dying, and with sinking hearts continued to 
apply restoratives until through the blessing 
of God, the crisis was past ; at another time he 
remained for ten days in a stupor, taking but 
little nourishment, but these trials, or the dis- 
comforts we had to endure did not make us wish 
to leave the field of labor to which we had felt 
called. 

We had now been residents of Mayumba 
several weeks, and notwithstanding our illness 
had started a school on a small scale, at Mr. 
Evans house, but finding our facilities for work 
in this direction very much cramped, we 
decided to take a trip to Mamby, visit some of 
the native villages, and assist, Brother Xortham, 



200 

who had by this time begun the building of a 
small mission house, to establish a school. So 
one night we take advantage of the tide, and 
about ten o'clock we are assisted into one of 
Mr. Evans large boats, in which are already 
seated around the edge a number of Kru boys. 
With a shout the boat is pushed off, the Kru 
men begin a wierd song, and ply their paddles 
to the time of the music (?). If they sing fast, 
they paddle fast, if they sing slow, they paddle 
slow. The night was an intensely dark one, 
I could not distinguish the features of Mr. 
Willis' face, though he was sitting by my side. 
I could not repress a slight feeling of timidity 
when I remembered that on this same river, 
only a few months before, three officers from 
a " man of war" ship which had stopped at 
Mayumba had been drowned while hunting 
hippopotamus. They had succeeded in wounding 
a hippopotamus, which had so enraged it that it 
craunched the end of the boat with its teeth 
and trampled the bodies of the unfortunate offi- 
cers in the mud and reeds. While I was think- 
ing of these things, our boat came to a sudden 
standstill, and what with the excited shouting 
of the Kru men and the darkness, there was 
considerable excitement until a lantern was 
lighted and we found we were only entangled 



201 

in the long reeds. The Kru men succeeded in 
getting back into the channel without upsetting 
the boat and inside of another hour our men 
began to shout wt Miveza" which we found out 
was the name of Mr. Whites native linkster at 
Maiuby, A linkster is a native employed by 
traders, who intrust them with a small quantity 
of cloth, rum, etc., with which to go into the 
" bush'' and barter for rubber, ivory, palm nuts, 
etc., with natives living back from the coast; 
but the linkster is generally shrewd enough to 
leave the cloth in his own village, and start out 
with a few pounds of salt which coast natives 
make from ocean water, and which is considered 
a great luxury by the natives further in the 
interior. 

While we have digressed for these explana- 
tions, Miveza, (which means smoke,) has been 
awakened, answers the call and soon a light 
appears at the top of a hill, which seems to rise 
abruptly from the water's edge, we land, and 
begin the ascent of the slippery, winding path, 
and when about half-way up meet a couple of 
carriers with a hammock, to carry me the rest 
of the way, but thinking that I would be safer 
on my feet, than in a hammock at such an 
incline I insisted on walking to the top. A 
hammock is merely a piece of canvas about 



202 

eight feet long and three to four feet wide, 
with a curved piece of wood, something the 
shape of a half moon fastened on each end, then 
fastened by a few ropes on to a bamboo pole 
some ten to fourteen feet long and carried by 
two men. 

The next morning we arise early, eager to 
see the place by daylight. As I gaze from the 
front door, I am charmed with the scenery. 
The house which is constructed mostly of 
bamboo surmounted by a thatched roof is 
situated in a little clearing on the top of the 
hill we ascended last night. At the foot of 
this hill, hemmed in on either side by the 
dense green foliage, runs the river, its ripples, 
dancing and sparkling in the sunlight. As 
my gaze passes rapidly from object to object, 
it at last rests on the ocean, which is about one 
mile and a half distant, the roar of the surf 
sounding musical at this distance. Delighted 
with this view, I cross the room to the back 
door ; in a clearing surrounded by tall forest 
trees and dense bush, is built a " galley" and 
three or four bamboo huts. a The " galley" is 
the trader's kitchen and the huts belong to his 
native employees. There are two trading 
houses at Mamby, the one owned by Mr. Evans, 
in charge of his clerk, Mr. "White, and one 



203 

belonging to the firm of Adson & Cookson, 
England, in charge of Mr. Cams. During the 
morning Mr. Northam received a note from 
Mr. Cams asking us to breakfast with him 
which invitation we accept, and a ten minutes 
ride in our " mission canoe" presented to Mr. 
Northam by Mr. Evans brings us to the bamb o 
home of Mr. Cams built in a little clearing on 
the river back. The first thing that attracts my 
attention on nearing the landing is a banana 
grove. A number of natives rush out into the 
water to help pull the boat nearer the landing, 
while some native women stand in the back- 
ground, eagerly watching Ossian and I. Dur- 
ing the morning we are visited by quite a 
number of natives. 

After enjoying a good breakfast and pleas- 
ant visit at Mr. Cams, we return and in the 
evening Brother JSTortham, Mr. Willis and my- 
self have a precious scripture service and prayer 
meeting. The next morning we are visited by 
a great many natives from surrounding villages, 
among them King Mamby and his wives some 
twenty in number. When I went out to see 
them they set up a cry, and several ran away, 
but soon gathered around me and I shook 
hands with them all, they seemingly enjoying 
the performance very much. Most of them were 



204 

smoking short clay pipes, though I noticed that 
some of the women who were not had their 
pipes stuck in their hair. King Mamby's head 
wife, the oldest and consequently in Africa the 
ugliest of his wives, took a dirty pipe out of 
her mouth and after putting some fresh tobacco 
leaf in, took a whiff and courteously handed it 
to me. Of course I refused, meantime illustra- 
ting by gestures how it would affect me, at 
which they set up a perfect howl of laughter. 
She then asked me through Miveza the inter- 
preter " if white man smoke in my country?" 
I told her yes. "Does white mammy smoke in 
your country ?" ISTo, white mammy no smoke ? 
u Well, if white man smoke why white mammy 
no smoke?" which argument I did not try to 
answer. 

In the afternoon my sufferings became so 
intense I had to go to bed. For from the time 
of my first attack of African fever until I left 
Africa I was so ill, that at times I was almost 
helpless, and entirely incapacitated for work. 
Mr. Northam and Mr. Willis had been waiting 
patiently for me to get strong enough to visit 
some of the native villages, so one night 1 told 
them I would be ready to go the next morning if 
I did not feel any worse; the next morning bright 
and early the hammock was gotten ready, Mr. 



205 

White providing the carriers, and we start. 
The native employees on finding that " white 
mammy" is going to visit King Mamby, all go 
along, also a number of villagers, and some of 
Mr. Cams " boys." We take the main road 
to Mamby 's town, the main road being a mere 
foot path, so narrow that travelers are obliged 
to go single tile. The first part of the way, 
leads through a dense strip of tropical forest, 
which however soon emerges out into a winding 
valley covered with a heavy growth of tall, dry 
grass, higher than the tallest of the carriers, 
but here my observations for the time end, as 
the carriers are running full speed, meanwhile 
all hands keeping up a constant bedlum of 
noise, with their shouting and singing. I try 
to hold up an umbrella, but finding this out of 
the question, pull my cap over my eyes, to keep 
out the blinding rays of the tropical sun. I then 
try to make them understand that I would like 
to go slower, but they think I am only gestur- 
ing my enjoyment and run the faster. All 
this time one of the number runs by the side of 
the hammock, displaying his skill in bounding, 
leaping, dancing and fantastic gestures. 

Suddenly the carriers came to a stand still, 
and sitting up I saw I was in the midst of the 
village ; and ri^ht o-lad I was to «;et out of the 



205 

hammock, for the carriers had run from the time 
I got in until they stopped in front of King 
Mamby's hut. While waiting for Mr. Willis 
and Mr. ISTortham to come I had quite a long 
6i palaver ? ' with King Mamby, Miveza acting 
as interperter. After they had reached the 
village, I had opportunity to look around me, 
Their houses ( a shimbacks 7? ) which were built 
of bamboo, were very small, the largest not 
exceeding sixteen feet by twenty feet and six to 
eight feet high. The only means of ingress or 
egress was through a small aperture, or door 
in the front, which was so low that one had to 
stoop down to see inside. In one I found two 
women squatted on the floor making a grass 
mat. In another a woman was preparing 
cassada. With the exception of a few cala- 
bashes and clay pots the shimbacks were mostly 
devoid of furniture. 

But time was precious and I had hardly 
begun my observations before the gentlemen 
were ready to start, and we left the village 
accompanied by the villagers dancing, singing 
and haloaing ; but as we came in sight of the 
next village, they returned. This was repeated 
at every village at which we stopped. 

While resting in one of the villages, our 
attention was attracted to a man in the distance 



207 

leisurely walking toward the town, his hair 
seemed to be arranged in a peculiar manner 
looking as if three horns grew out of his head, 
but on his coming nearer, we discovered the 
supposed head dress to be nothing less than 
an inverted clay cooking pot blackened by long 
use. He carried a gun on his shoulder, on the 
butt end of which stood a squeaking parrot, 
the man was the village hunter just returning 
from the " bush" where he had gone in quest 
of game. The natives here are very fond of 
animal flesh, and if obliged to eat nothing but 
vegetable food for several weeks, have a positive 
craving for meat. 

This craving after animal food, at times, 
becomes almost a disease. It attacks white 
and black men alike. Mr. Evans says that 
those who suffer from this strange craving 
become almost wild beasts at the sight of meat, 
which they devour with intense eagerness. I 
suppose this is the reason why every village 
has at least one hunter, and right proud he is 
to be the possessor of a trade gun. Owing 
to their contact with white traders, they 
present a strange mixture of savageness and 
civilization. Take for instance, their mode of 
managing fire arms. A trade gun is really a 
wonderful though inferior article of th*e old 



208 

flint lock kind. As it is made to suit native 
ideas, it is rather large and heavy. 

When a native cocks his musket, he 
wrenches back the hammer with a tremendous 
jerk ; when he wants to carry home the game 
that he has killed, he suspends it from the 
muzzle of the gun ; he then slings it over his 
shoulder and as he walks along allows it to 
bang against the trees. I have several times 
seen Mr. Evans hunter return from the u bush^ 
with one or two monkeys, hanging to the 
muzzle of his rifle. He very well knew that 
we did not indulge in monkey stakes, but as 
he did, he generally took good care to use Mr. 
Evans powder to replenish his own larder- 
Some traveler truthfully says, " That it is in 
loading the weapon that the native most dis- 
tinguishes himself.'* First he pours down the 
barrel a quantity of powder at random, then 
rams upon it a tuft of dry grass, upon the 
grass he puts some bullets or bits of iron, 
then some more grass, then more powder, grass 
and iron as before. It is not surprising that a 
gun should burst after such a method of loadings 
but it is strange that it can be fired at all with- 
out flying to pieces. Though the recoil may 
almost dislocate the shoulder, he likes plenty 
of noise" and is satisfied. 



209 

But I Lave been digressing. Leaving this 
village we returned to Mamby, so well-pleased 
with our short journey that we resolved to 
visit other villages. So on the morrow we 
started again. When we reached King 
Mamby's village he was holding a palaver 
with the chiefs of surrounding villages. 

As soon as my carriers stopped they all 
surrounded the hammock, and King Mamby 
lifted me out in his dirty, greasy arms. While 
coming through the tall grass, numberless little 
white stickers much resembling " Spanish 
needles" were frequently showered upon us and 
their sharp ends were causing me much discom- 
fort. Noticing this King Mamby and his 
chiefs began leisurely picking them off, re- 
minding me of an old woman picking a goose. 
After picking and brushing to their hearts 
content they turned the hammock inside out 
and gave it a thorough brushing also. While 
they were talking and gestulating around me 
so closely I could hardly breathe, I felt myself 
suddenly jerked out of the circle. King 
Mamby 's head wife had gathered the women 
together to give me a welcome, and she did 
not intend that her duskey admirers should 
monopolize all of my attention. 



210 

She led me to a group of women., reached 
out her hand and shook hands with me herself 
and then bringing the women up one by one, 
she kept my arm going something after the 
style of an old-fashioned pump handle, until 
I had shaken hands with every one of them. 
After having examined myself and my apparel 
to their hearts content, I was permitted to join 
the gentlemen who were conversing with King 
Mamby and the chiefs. Leaving them to 
finish their palaver we visited several other 
villages in one of which the chief insisted on 
our drinking mimbo (palm wine) w T ith him, 
It was not fresh, and hence was as nasty and 
sour as yeast. In fact, the mission ladies at 
Old Calabar substitute fermented palm wine 
for yeast in making bread. The natives are 
very fond of palm wine, and indeed it is very 
pleasant and refreshing when new, but the 
reverse, to a European palate after it has stood 
a few hours. I have seen mimbo obtained in 
the following manner. After the tree had 
been cut down, a cavity some six or eight 
inches long and nearly as wide was hewn out 
with a matchet (native knife). Of course the 
sap would ooze into this cavity, which they 
generally kept covered with palm leaves. Here 
it remains until it ferments. 



211 

After remaining a few days longer at Mamby 
we returned to Mayumba, feeling that we now 
knew enough about our people to work among 
them to better advantage than ever before, and 
feeling eager, as were also the villagers, to open 
a school at Mamby. 

The color of the natives in this part of 
Africa is usually black, but individuals among 
them are a dark, warm bronze, rather than 
black, many of them possessing quite regular 
features. They wear grass cloth ifthey can 
not procure cotton cloth, but whenever they can 
get a piece of print or " taft " they will wear 
it as long as it will hang together. 

The grass cloth here is made from the 
cuticle of young palm leaves, stripped off skill- 
fully by the fingers. It is then woven on a rude 
loom. Rev. J. Gr. Wood gives the following 
good description of a West African loom : "A 
bar of wood, about two feet in length, is sus- 
pended horizontally from the roof of the weav- 
ing hut and over this bar are passed the threads 
which constitute the war}), the other ends being 
fastened to a corresponding bar below, which 
is fixed lightly down by a couple of forked 
sticks thrust into, the ground. The alternate 
threads of the warp are divided by two slight 
rods, the ends of which are held in the fingers 



212 

of the left hand, which cross them alternately, 
while the wool is interlaced hy means of a 
sword shaped shuttle, which also serves to strike 
it down and lay it regularly. In consequence 
of this form of loom it is only possible to weave 
pieces of cloth of a limited length." Enough 
of these pieces are sewed together to make a 
strip of cloth about three yards long and one 
yard wide. The manner of wearing a strip of 
of cloth seems to be left much to the fancy of 
the wearer. Braclets of brass, iron, wire and 
ivory are worn around the arms. I counted 
nineteen iron rings between the wrist and 
elbow on one woman's arm. Rings are also 
worn about the ankles. One woman had two 
heavy brass rings on each ankle, and seemed to 
be particularly pleased with the clanking noise 
she made while walking. The men are fond 
uf covering their heads with a neat cap made 
of grass ; they also carry a little grass bag, 
which they sling over one shoulder. It answers 
the purpose of a pocket, and is therefore very 
useful where so little clothing is worn. Mr. 
Willis purchased one of a native, which is made 
of some kind of cord, no doubt received in barter 
Both sexes have about the same style in 
arranging the hair, some wearing it cut quite 
close to the head while others bead it into num. 



213 

erous little plaits, which, on account of the 
wooliness of the hair and the amount of oil 
and dirt, stick out all over the head like so 
many skewers. But the Kru boys are more artis- 
tic in the arrangement of the hair. First an 
elaborate pattern is marked out on the head, 
the lines of the design are then closely shaven, 
leaving little patches of wool scattered over the 
head, reminding one of the laying out of Cen- 
tral Park (small animals not excluded.) The 
principal food of the natives is the cassava, 
which is prepared so that it passes into the acid 
state of fermentation. Cassava greatly resem- 
bles a yam or sweet potato in appearance. 
After the root is dug it is placed in water for 
several days until it becomes sour, when it is 
ready for use. The women have one way of 
preparing it which is rather disgusting to a 
European. They make it into little balls look- 
ing very much like a cod-fish cake, by rolling 
it on their dirty, greasy chests. I tasted some 
that had not gone through the natural pie 
board process, and when Brother Northam 
asked me how 7 I liked it, I told him I thought 
it tasted something like limburgher cheese 
smelled. They also have plantims, bananas, 
quavas and pine apples in their season, while 
fish abound in the rivers. They are so fond of 



214 

animal food that they will eat it when almost 
falling to pieces with decomposition. But, in 
spite of their love for it, almost every kind of 
meat is prohibited to one family or another, of 
at all events to some single individual. One 
man dare not eat monkey's flesh, while another 
is prohibited to eat goat, and a third is forbid- 
den to touch pork. On one occasion I offered 
Ponsua some pork, but he refused to eat it. I 
was so surprised that I insisted on knowing the 
reason, and he told me it was u Fetish." He 
believed that if he ate it, he would be bewitched 
and die. The terror which is felt at the least 
suspicion of witchcraft often leads to cruel 
deeds. Almost every one that dies, either by 
violence or a natural death, is thought to have 
been bewitched, and a " witch palaver " is held 
to find out the sorcerer. Sometimes the accused 
is compelled to drink a decoction prepared 
from the poison bean. 

For example, a child of a slave woman 
belonging to a Portuguese trader died. The 
mother accused another slave woman of 
bewitching the child, a witch palaver was held, 
and the accused woman was compelled to drink 
poison bean from the effects of which she died 
in great agony. Another way of punishing 
" witch palaver" victims is to cut off the head 



215 

with a huge native knife called a matchet. 
One day among a number of natives who had 
come to see me, Mr. Evans pointed to one of 
them saying, a That man is the head witch 
doctor of this country, and a more cruel beast 
never lived, everytime he has a victim sacri- 
ficed he drinks some of the warm blood." 
And truly, I had never beheld a more repulsive, 
brutal looking visage in my life ; his face was 
hideously marked with red clay, and he looked 
such a veritable demon, that I shuddered. With 
the natives here, superstition takes the place of 
personal religion, and in spite of its dreadful 
consequences, it does, nevertheless, keep before 
them the idea of a spiritual world and impresses 
upon them the fact that there exist beings 
higher and greater than themselves. " Jimby," 
Mr. Evans interpreter, gave us much information 
concerning the beliefs of his tribe. According 
to his accounts, the country is overrun with 
spirits, but the evil far out-number the good, 
and the natives pay their chief reverence to the 
former, because they can do the most harm. 
They hang all manner of strange fetishes about 
their persons, some of which are supposed to 
protect them from some special danger, others 
to give them good luck ; even the children are 
absolutely laden with fetish ornaments. They 



216 

are made of all sorts of things, such as scraps 
of rags, leopard's claws, peculiar beads, bits of 
bone, horn, ivory etc. By the way, I have 
heard the word "fetish" explained as a 
" corruption of the Portugese word Feitico, 
L e. witchcraft or conjuring." 

King Mam by is as superstitious as any of 
his followers. He never stirs without his 
favorite tetish, which is made of a few civit 
cat skins, medicine bags and native iron bells ; 
this he wears hung over one shoulder. He 
considers the jingling of the bells a powerful 
charm against evil spirits. Mr. Willis, after 
much palavering, prevailed on him to part with 
this fetish ; when first asked to sell it he seemed 
horrified at the idea and gesticulating wildly 
demanded " Why no ask for King Mamby ?" 
After showing him a number of articles, such 
as would gladden the heart of a savage he con- 
eluded to part with his body guard charm for a 
small clock, which he thought a most powerful 
fetish. As far as I can learn the mode of gov- 
ernment which prevails through this part of 
Africa is something on the patriarchal order. 
A tribe is divided into a number of sub-tribes, 
each of which reside in a separate village, 
which is called after the name of its chief; the 
most powerful chief of the tribe receiving the 



217 

name of king. King Mamby, himself, is 
scarcely distinguishable from his so-called 
subjects, his houses and mode of living being 
about the same. All the weapons I have seen 
are the spear, bow and arrow, matchetand club. 
I have several spears in my collection, Their 
shafts are about six feet in length and of very 
light weight ; their heads are of various shapes, 
one of them is quite plain and leaf shaped, 
while others have a single pair of barbs under 
the head ; still another has several of these barbs 
set just under the head. The bow and arrows, 
in my possession are very small. The arrows are 
merely little strips of wood some eight inches 
or so in length, and about the fifth of an inch 
in diameter. About one inch of each of the 
sharply pointed ends have been dipped in 
poison. The least puncture of the skin with 
one of these poisoned arrows is said to cause 
fatal blood poisoning, A matchet is a native 
knife, the sharp-pointed blade is about fourteen 
or sixteen inches in length and two inches wide 
with a handle some five or six inches in length 
and four inches in diameter. These are kept 
very sharp, and when not in use are kept in a 
sheath, made of bamboo or the skin of some 
animal. Every native, man or woman wears 
one of these matchets at the side. With the 



218 

matchet, the women cut fuel for their fires and 
bamboo for their houses, dig plantaum, cut up 
the cassada, etc. The people here are not war- 
like but kindly disposed to those who treat 
them well, and we have learned to dearly love 
them. They are very eager for information* 
Every time Mr. Willis leaves the house he is 
surrounded by a group of natives begging him 
to teach them " about them God" and to 
"savvathem white man's mouth." We find 
them to be very apt scholars. As the way is 
hedged up for us to have a school here Mr. 
Willis has promised " the boys" that we will go 
to Mamby in one moon's time, for they make 
all their reckoning of time to consist of so many 
moons but do not seem to be able to count 
beyond twelve moons, hence they do not know 
their age ; neither have they any idea of the 
division of the day into hours. 



219 
CHAPTER XIX. 

Bishop Taylor urged to request Mr. and Mrs. Willis to return U 
America. — The request made and accepted. — The arrival of 
the Noith bound coast steamer "Biafra" — The kind offer of 
Captain Thomas of the " Biafra,"* — Mr Willis 1 farewell 
" palaver"— Anchored at Old Calabar. — Mr. Willis again 
attacked with African Fever— ^The course of the vessel 
ordered far out to sea. — Brother Willis fast losing his hold 
on life. — His last words.— His death and burial at sea. — 
Mrs. Willis almost crushed with sorrow'.— Kindness of 
Captain Thomas and his officers and men. — Arrival at 
Liverpool. — Took passage on steamship "Servia" for Nevj 
York. — Arrived at Philadelphia. — Memorial Service to 
Brother Willis. 

As the gathering clouds betoken the coming 
storm, so the frequently repeated attacks of 
African fever told alas, too plainly what the 
end must be. Though Mrs. Willis had fought 
so bravely against the disease, her one great 
enemy, yet she realized that her life was fast 
ebbing away. The kind friends at Mayumba 
knowing that argument with her would be use- 
less, wrote to Bishop Taylor, then at St. Paul 
de Loando, urging him to request Mr. Willis to 
return to America with his suffering wife, for 
it seemed more than a pity that she should 
remain there and die when it might be possible 
that God would permit her to do much for 
Him in a genial climate and christian land. 
The arrival of the Bishop's answer gave to Mr. 



220 

and Mrs. Willis the idea that perhaps God's 
voice was calling to a new and very important 
department of the African work. Some one 
should return to America and represent the 
work to the people at home. After earnest 
consultation and fervent prayer it was decided 
that if an opportunity was afforded Mrs. Willis 
and Ossian should come home and as strength 
returned she was to urge upon Christian people 
the great importance of the work in Africa and 
secure aid in the erecting of buildings for the 
present needs of mission work and perhaps be 
instrumental in directing the minds of other 
missionaries toward that vast field already 
" ripened for the harvest." With that resigna- 
tion which only comes through consecration 
they prayed and planned and waited for their 
Lord to make plain the path of duty. On the 
moroing of the 7th of August, the Kru boys 
brought the tidings of the expected £Tortb bound 
coast steamer being sighted. Soon the booming 
of the cannon from the steamer " Biafra" gave 
the signal that the freight must be ready for 
shipment without delay, and within an hour 
the anchor was dropped at Mayumba. 

When Captain Thomas learned of the serious 
illness of Mrs. Willis he said, that although 
he had not the authority to give a free passage 



221 

on the steamer, yet if Mr. and Mrs. Willis 
would accept his offer he would with great 
pleasure take them to Liverpool, and if the 
steamship company desired them to pay they 
might have two years in which to discharge 
the obligation. If they remained, Mrs. Willis 
must certainly die and it was doubtful about 
her reaching Liverpool alive. Under all circum- 
stances Mr. Willis must accompany her both 
for the sake of his wife and child as well as for 
his own good and the Master's cause. The 
great kindness of Captain Thomas was accepted 
and he had the ladies cabin speedily prepared 
for the reception of those whom he had only a 
few months before learned to love as God's 
children, But two or three hours were given for 
the transfer of the freight and by the time the 
last boat load was being taken to the steamer, 
brother Willis had completed his hasty prepara- 
tions and had called around him some of the 
natives for a " farewell palaver." Words can 
not express how deeply these poor natives were 
affected at the thought of parting with their 
" Preach man and white mammy." They 
realized that true friends were leaving them, 
those in whom they could trust, to whom they 
could turn for help, and who had taught them 
that there was a power beyond a " Fetisch," 



222 

even a God of mercy and love. With tears roll- 
ing down his dusky face, one of them said : 
" Massa Willis, when you be go for dem Wee 
Country, who palaver black man about dem 
God ? Who show black man him no lie, him 
no steal, him be plenty much good ? Black 
man sabe dem trader man, him be devil mam 
Massa Willis him be plenty good, him love 
black man, him palaver black man about dem 
God." 

When the boat was leaving the beach many 
tears of regretfulness were shed and brother 
Willis spoke the sentiments of his heart when 
turning to his wife said " Kitty, I feel worse at 
leaving these dear people who are hungering 
for God's truth, than of leaving our own dear 
people at home when we started for Africa." 

Tenderly they were lifted to the ship's deck 
and comfortably stowed away in snug quar- 
ters. What a flood of memories thronged 
them. Only a short time before they had left 
that steamer for a life work, but a strange 
change had come over their sky so bright with 
promise for the future. They could not mur- 
mur but would ever hope and trust for the 
Friend above all others whispered so sweetly, 
44 Lo, I am with you always." 



223 

The vessel was to stop as usual at impor- 
tant points along the coast and after seven 
days at sea they anchored at Old Calabar not 
far from the mouth of the Niger. During the 
three days stay at this place Mr. and Mrs. 
Willis shared the hospitality of a Mr. White, 
one of the leading merchants of Old Calabar. 
His beautiful home betokened an ease and 
refinement far beyond anything that they had 
met since leaving Liverpool. The kind atten- 
tion combined with the many home comforts 
made their visit delightfully pleasant. They 
visited the missionaries at this port and met 
among them Rev. Mr. Anderson, whose chris- 
tian labors there had extended over a period of 
forty years. 

Before the time of departure had come Mr, 
Willis gave signs of returning fever, and much 
sickness was reported on board the steamer. 
As pleasant as most of their visit had been on 
shore, on returning to the vessel Mr. Willis 
was stricken down with African bilious fever. 
In consequence of so much sickness the captain 
ordered the course of the vessel far out to sea 
hoping that there w T ould be relief as soon 
as they should get away from the unhealthy 
port, and beyond the deadly miasma of the 
Niger. But for brother Willis there was 



224 

no permanent relief. After four days of 
suffering from alternate chills and fever, the 
disease began to assume its worst form and on 
the 21st of August, he became alarmingly ill. 
The kind attention of the sailors and all on 
board knew no bounds. The captain watched 
as closely every change in the sufferer as he did 
the movements of the steamer. His sympathy 
towards every passenger who was in any dis- 
tress was always manifested, but Mr. Willis 
had awakened in his heart the deepest of 
human sympathies for he loved him as a brother. 
He anxiously paced the deck and his sharp 
eyes quickly searched the surgeon's face as he 
would come each hour from the bedside of the 
sick one. Every known remedy was admin- 
istered, and every one was ready in a moment 
to aid the ship's doctor and carry out his 
slightest wish. 

It soon became evident to brother Willis 
that he was fast loosing his hold on life, and 
nearly all about him felt that his final hour 
was near at hand. The hush of all merriment 
when the sailors were off " watch.' 7 The 
subdued tones in which the ship's orders were 
given ; the strange silence for a " steamship 
under way," told more plainly than words the 
solemnity of an hour which may be felt but 



225 

cannot be spoken. During these days Mrs. 
Willis was at times so ill she could not leave 
her berth, but the fresh invigorating sea air 
was strengthening and the recurring attacks of 
the fever were less frequent. The critical con- 
dition of Mr. Willis greatly alarmed her and 
she was buoyed up by her anxiety for him. 
She fanned his fevered brow, calmed him in 
his hours of wild delirium, sang and read for 
him in his conscious moments, and talked to 
him ever of their blessed Lord and Master, 
Saviour and Friend, Jesus. The tender 
sympathy of friends was sweet to him but the 
singing of his dear wife was far more sweet, 
and in his extreme weakness he would try to 
sing with her. 

Who but those whose hearts have bled can 
know the struggles of that patient sick and 
weary watcher as she sang for him whom she 
loved, realizing too that in a few short hours 
he would leave her forever and would himself 
join in the songs of the Redeemed in glory ! 
With voice tremblingly sweet, lips faltering, 
heart throbbing, sobs choking, and scalding 
tears streaming down her face, she sang, 
" Nearer my God to thee." 

More precious than the singing was the 
Word to him. He would repeat passage after 



226 

passage of scripture, now a precious promise and 
again some word of blessed assurance and 
comfort. The African work rested very heavily 
on his heart and he prayed earnestly that God 
would send others to take up the work which 
to him was so full of promise. 

He frequently expressed the desire that if 
God w r as pleased to spare him, he might come 
to America and secure at least ten missionaries 
to go back to Africa with him and establish a 
chain of missions across the continent from 
Mayumba to the Baptist mission stations on the 
Congo. During one of his lucid intervals 
while Mrs. Willis was reading some portions 
of scripture to him he said, " Dearest, I love 
you, oh so much, God only knows how much, 
but I love Jesus more. My love for him is 
different, a grander love. And now if he is 
calling me home I commend you and my dear 
baby boy Ossian to His infinite shepherding 
care, to lead and keep you forever." 

One day while Mrs. Willis w r as trying to 
soothe him in his restlessness he was looking 
most earnestly off* into space, and a strange 
expression came over his face, he seemed 
radiant with joy. Turning suddenly toward 
her he said, u Dearest now I know what the 
love of Jesus is, the door is open wide," His 



227 

last request was that if his dear wife should 
reach home and her health and strength permit 
she should take up the evangelistic work to 
" win souls for Christ" and also plead the cause 
of Africa. He sank rapidly and his sufferings 
seemed to increase with his prostration until 
near midnight Sunday August 30, 1885, when 
the sacred hush fell upon all. The little room 
was filled with a hallowed presence, strangely 
sad yet beautiful and sweet. How long it 
remained the sorrowful watcher may never tell 
but ere it passed away the holy kiss of peace was 
placed upon the brow of the sleeping saint. His 
sufferings were over and he had pillowed his 
weary head on Jesus breast and entered into 
his eternal rest. To him there was no dark 
valley of death, no deep waters of Jordan, for 
his light and life of love glided calmly and 
sweetly into the grander light and life of Christ. 
It was indeed " Good night on earth and good 
morning in Heaven." Brother Willis was not, 
for God took him. 

His last words were " Dearest the door is 
open wide." " ! the gate is open wide and 
the glory is just ahead; Hallelujah to Jesus." 

Weary with suffering and worn with anxiety 
and care, sister Willis by this additional stroke 
seemed truly heart-broken. Half dazed she 



228 

counted the moments as they flitted by. With 
her life almost crushed with a sorrow which 
knew no bounds, and her sweet baby boy tug- 
ging at her heart strings ; her devoted husband 
sleeping in death by her side, and she thousands 
of miles from home on storm tossed seas, faint- 
ing and ready, yea anxious to die, she moaned in 
anguish of spirit and found comfort only in 
Him " Who weeps o'er other's woes " Jesus 
gave her rest and peace and imparted fresh 
strength for the sorrowing hour. His death 
made a profound impression upon all on board. 
Officers and crew at that midnight hour stood 
with uncovered heads and tearful eyes, in the 
presence of his lifeless form. The next day 
the burial took place about seven A. M. The 
steamer was stopped for a few moments and 
amid the solemn stillness that followed the 
body of Rev. H. M. Willis was consigned to 
its ocean sepulcher to await the day when 
" The earth and the sea shall give up their 
dead." 

Some conception of her confident trust in 
Christ amidst the thick darkness which had 
settled down upon her may be gathered from a 
clipping from her journal written the day after 
the death of Brother Willis. " August 31 — 
My precious husband passed triumphantly 



229 

through the portals last evening. Glory to 
Jesus for victory over death. No one but the 
Master knows how deep is the wound, for I 
loved him most dearly. If he was away from 
me an hour I grew restless, and my heart seems 
crushed when I glance at the future, but I 
praise the Lord, the Comforter is mine. 

1 Saviour T come like a poor wounde 1 clove, 
And my head I would lean on thy bosom of love.' 

The dear tenement of clay was lowered into 
the deep this morning about seven o'clock but 
he had entered into rest." 

The remainder of the voyage was a ming- 
ling of suffering and sorrow, now and then a 
gleam of sunshine, but many and thick were 
the shadows. Each morning brought fresh 
trials and each setting sun gilded the mountain 
tops of Faith's victories. As the Biafra was 
grandly riding the waves of the sea, so Mrs. 
Willis was lifted above every wave in life's 
ocean for underneath her were the Everlasting 
arms, and here she found a refuge and a rest. 

She cannot find words to express her grate- 
fulness to Captain Thomas, and his kind officers 
and men, w T ho did so much for her in those 
hours when friends were beyond price. Thou- 
sands of christian people join her as she 
expresses her thankfulness in fervent prayers 



230 

for these faithful men. On reaching Liverpool 
she was so ill that no one thought she could 
ever recover, nor even be able to start for her 
Western home. Fowler Brothers learning of her 
arrival in the city promptly came to her aid 
and did all in their power to relieve her every 
want. She holds in grateful remembrance the 
many kindnesses received from them ; a debt 
of love the blessed Master will surely pay. 
Through skilful treatment and careful nursing 
the Lord granted her renewed strength and 
when sufficiently recovered she took passage 
on the steamship "Servia" of the Cunardline for 
New York. The voyage was truly a sad one, 
but her face was turned toward home and hope 
cheered her fainting heart. She landed in 
safety on Monday, September 28, 1885, weak 
and exhausted, and with baby tired and fretful. 
She went at once to the home of Mrs. Fleming, 
a dear lady of her acquaintance and found 
loving, sympathizing friends, who gave every 
attention, and royally welcomed her to their 
hearts and home. It was yet feared that she 
might not live to get home in Ohio. Remaining 
at New York two da} T s she then proceeded to 
Philadelphia, where she arrived among her 
friends of Norris Square M. E. Church. Dear 
ones were waiting at the train to bid her 



231 

welcome and the carriage of Mr. Johnson 
conveyed her to his home where everything 
that could be done for her welfare and personal 
comfort was done. Rev. Robt. F. Y. Pierce, Mr. 
Geo. M. Harkness, who had worked so earnestly 
with Brother and Sister Willis during their 
revival services in Norris Square Church, aud 
many other friends called to extend their 
s^ympathies and render such assistance as they 
were able. As Sister Willis decided to remain 
over the Sabbath (October 4) among these 
friends, hoping to gain strength for the journey 
to her home in Ohio, the pastor of Morris 
Square M. E. Church, Rev. Thomas Harrison, 
suggested the propriety of holding a memorial 
service to Brother Willis on Sabbath evening. 
The friends unanimously approved of such a 
meeting and Mrs. Willis consented to be present 
during the service should her health permit. 
The announcement of this service, it is said, 
drew forth at an early hour a crowd that filled 
the Church, blocked up the doors, and extended 
even into the streets, hundreds in the mean- 
while going away unable to get near enough to 
hear anything that might be said. With Mrs. 
Willis, the day set for the memorial service, 
was spent in much prayer that God would sus- 
tain and give her strength, for as she records, 



232 

" None knew how great a trial it would be for 
me to enter Norris Square Church without my 
precious husband at my side ; nor what a sad 
rush of memories would flood my soul. Oh 
the anguish of spirit, God only knows how 
torn and bleeding is my heart." On the arrival 
of the hour for the memoral service, Mrs* 
Willis was escorted to the Church by the 
pastor and wife and the board of trustees of 
the Church. She entered the house with 
weak and faltering steps, almost over-borne 
with the weight of sorrow, but the divine 
Comforter and Helper was present to support 
and sustain and cheer. 

The pastor, Brother Harrison, conducted the 
service and preached a sermon full of the Spirit 
of Christ. He chose as his text the words so 
appropriate to the life of our departed friend 
and brother. "For before his translation he 
had this testimony, that he pleased God." — 
Heb. xi : 5. 

After an appropriate and tender discourse, 
Mrs. Willis was introduced and spoke a few 
words. The Philadelphia Methodist, October 10, 
1885, speaks of this part of the service as 
follows: 

" Sister Willis, who, throughout the service, 
occupied a place within the altar rail, then 



233 

stepped upon the platform, and with a face 
bearing the marks of both mental and physical 
suffering, and yet at times beaming with hope 
and holy joy, in a most touching manner spoke 
of the work in Africa, of its success and glorious 
outlook and of the regret with which she had 
been compelled to leave it. Instead of being 
discouraged and disappointed as some of the 
secular papers had represented, the missionaries 
of Bishop Taylor, to a man, were full of enthu- 
siasm and hope, and she herself, notwith- 
standing all she had suffered, would gladly go 
back to Africa if her health would permit. 
Her testimony to the value of religion and the 
sufficiency of divine grace for every emergency 
in life, was most touching, and few who heard 
her could doubt her sincerity, or question the 
truthfulnesss of her statements." The service 
throughout was one of the most impressive and 
solemn ever held in Morris Square Church, 
The tenderest sympathy was expressed by all 
in that large audience. The occasion will be 
long remembered by all who were present 



2S4 
CHAPTEE XX. • 

Memorial Window. — The hind people of Norris Square M m 
E. Church. — Mrs. Willis' stay in Philadelphia. — Her visit 
to the Methodist Episcopal Ministers' meeting. — Resolutions 
of sympathy. — Mr§. Willis departs for the home of her 
parents in Ohio. — The death of her father-in-law — The end 
of the history of the subject of this memoir. 

Besides these expressions of regard and ap- 
preciation of the character and services of 
Brother Willis? the Norris Square Church did 
more. A kind brother of the society? John 
Branson? had learned to love and esteem 
Brother Willis for his faith and works among 
the people of Norris Square, and was wonder- 
ing in his own mind what he might do to keep 
his name fresh and to make it a perpetual help 
to those who gave their hearts to God through 
his instrumentality. He thought of a memo- 
rial window. The Church building was just 
then being repaired and enlarged and an oppor- 
tunity of the kind was readily afforded. 
Brother Branson accordingly asked the official 
board for the privilege of putting in a memorial 
window for Brother Willis. The request was 
granted, and a very handsome window, 
dedicated to his memory, now has a place in 
Norris Square Methodist Church of Philadel- 
phia. This kind people whom the Lord raised 
tip to aid Brother and Sister Willis in the work 



285 

of the Lord, and especially in this outfit for 
Africa were ready to provide for the temporal 
wants of Mrs. Willis and child on their return, 
and, in an abundant way they helped and 
comforted her after the death of her husband 
so that iu them she found the Lord supplying 
all her needs. 

During her stay in Philadelphia, Mrs. 
Willis was able to attend the Methodist 
Episcopal ministers' meeting of the city which 
was held at the Methodist Book rooms, on the 
next morning after the memorial service. 
Here she was introduced to the brethern, and 
although weak from the extraordinary efforts 
required of her on the previous day, she 
addressed the meeting. Of her address in this 
meeting the Christian Witness of October 15th 
says ; " She spoke very intelligentlv and hope- 
fully of Bishop Taylor's work. She says, 
Africa back of the coast line is a beautiful 
country and its poor benighted inhabitants are 
glad to hear of Jesus and his soul-satisfying 
religion. The harvest truly is great but the 
laborers are few. The address of Mrs, Willis 
in relation to Bishop Taylor and his work 
made a profound impression upon the min- 
isters present, and every one that heard the 
intelligent utterances of this excellent sister, 



236 

who had sacrificed all but life itself in this 
work, will think more kindly of the Bishop 
and his devoted companions and pray more 
fervently for their success in the " Dark Conti- 
nent." " 

The following resolutions of sympathy and 
condolence were read and adopted by the 
meeting before the close of its session : 

Resolutions adopted by the Methodist Episcopal 
Preachers' meeting of Philadelphia and vicinity 
at their regular meeting, October 5, 1885. 

" "We deeply sympathize with our Sister 
Mrs. Anna Willis, who has been called to pass 
through a terrible affliction in the loss of her 
husband, the Rev. H. M. Willis, who was on his 
way from his missionary work under Bishop 
Taylor in Africa, to bring his wife to this 
country in order that she might regain her 
health and return with reinforcements to 
Africa. 

We commend our dear sister and her child 
to the affectionate regard of the Church and 
above all to the Great Head of the Church , 
who hath said, " I will never leave thee nor 
forsake thee." 



237 

The above resolutions were introduced by 
Rev. T. A. Fernley, and unanimously adopted, 
Alex. M. Wiggins, President 
Alpha GL Kynett, Secretary. 
Thomas Harrison, Attest 

After a few days stay with her friends of 
ISTorris Square Church, Mrs, Willis left Phila- 
delphia on Sunday, October 6th, for the 
itinerant home of her parents, now at Mt. Hope, 
Holmes county, Ohio, where her father was 
pastor of the M. E. Church. She and her little 
son Ossian arrived on the next day and were 
greeted with more than ordinary tenderness by 
father and mother and kindred dear, and in 
every way were made most welcome to their 
home and hearts. Here she heard for the first 
time of the death of her father-in-law, Mr, 
Dedrick Willis, who had died at his home in 
Ashland, 0., on the 31st of August, just one 
day after her husband had passed away. She 
at once visited her mother-in-law and her 
husband's relatives at Ashland, the childhood 
home of Mr. Willis, She found them, too, in 
deep affliction over the double loss they had 
sustained. After a brief stay at Ashland, Mrs, 
Willis returned to her father's home where she 
spent a short time in rest, recruiting her health 



238 

and strength that she once more might be of 
service in the Master's vineyard. 

We have now come to the end of the history 
of the subject of this memoir. The career of 
Rev. H. M. Willis is now ended. The work 
assigned him is finished. He has done what 
he could to save men. His labors have been 
fruitful for good on both sides of the sea. He 
lived not for self but for Christ, whose seal he 
bore, and whose blessings followed him every- 
where, and whose grace sustained him in life 
and in the hour of death. He won great 
victories in the name of the Lord in the evan- 
gelistic field, so that thousands of souls will 
point to him as the instrumentality in their 
salvation. He was all the Lord's and all the 
years of his future was consecrated to His 
service. But in the wisdom of God he was 
ripe for heaven and in early life God took him. 
The sea became his winding sheet. We cannot 
explain, but may it not be that he is one of 
those who will live after they are dead, and that 
his ocean grave may become his pulpit from 
which to speak to the souls of men. May it 
not be that from this pulpit he can penetrate 
further in behalf of Ohrist and the unsaved 
millions, than from any pulpit from which he 
ever preached. 



239 

For some wise end God has called our 
brother and he is among us no more. His 
body rests in the sea of a foreign clime. His 
last memorial is said and we now bid good-bye 
to our departed brother who lived so purely, 
accomplished so much and died so nobly in the 
great cause for which his life was given, 

We now turn our thoughts from Brother 
Willis, and for one more brief chapter, invite the 
attention of the reader, to his companion, who 
has lived to reach home from the Dark Conti- 
nent and again to unfurl the banner of the 
Lord in the evangelistic work of this her own 
native land. 



240 
CHAPTER XXI. 

Mrs, H. M. Willis. — By Nature an Evangelist — Her gifts 
knoun to her Husband.— His dying request for her to 
continue the Work, — Her safe return to America. — The 
Salvation of Souls dearer than Life. — Her brief Best. — 
The opening of the Way. — Calls to Evangelistic Services. — - 
NOEBIS SQ UABE, signal success.— Fever and Prostra- 
tion. — Best and Recovery. — Beady for Duty. — NORTH 
WALES, a Good Meeting. —TRINITY, NEW YORK, 

Her Impressive Sermons. — Her Modesty and Simplicity. 

The Wonderful Display of God's Power. — A Glorious 
Revival — Her return to Ohio'. — Greets her Boy. — A Short- 
Best. — Beturns to Philadelphia, — North Fourth Street Union 
Mission. — Anywhere to save souls. — The Pastor's Report — 
The Jubilee Service. — Rejoicing and Testimony of mcsny 
Converts. — Mrs. Willis greatly appreciated. — An Account of 
her Life Work. — Suffers still from African Fever and 
Nervous Prostration. — Compelled, to rest.— Cancels many 
Engagements — Beturns to Ohio for the Summer. — Attends. 
Summer Assemblies. — Expects to continue the Evangelistic 
Work. — Closing Remarks. 

Mrs. Anna Willis, the surviving companion 
of Rev. H. M. Willis, was an evangelist by 
nature, inducted into the office and confirmed 
by the Holy Ghost. In the former part of this 
work we have already given a leaf from her 
history, and now have only to speak of her 
separate evangelistic labors and life, after the 
death of her husband, whom she loved so 
tenderly and with whose life and work, during 
their union, she was so closely identified. 



241 

Her husband well knew the rare qualities 
and gifts with which she was endowed as a 
special agent in winning souls. After he was 
stricken down at sea, and it became apparent 
to his own mind, that the hour of his departure 
was at hand, his dying request was, that if 
Mrs. Willis should reach home, and her health 
should be sufficiently regained, she should give 
herself to the work of an evangelist ; and as 
she would have opportunity plead the cause of 
Africa. This request was in keeping with her 
own purpose and desire. She desired to save 
souls and could scarce be restrained. 

On arriving home, though weak in body 
and suffering much from African fever, and 
also from the nervous shocks through which 
she had just passed, she could not wait long 
before engaging in the actual work of an 
evangelist. Her physician thought her health 
to be in a very critical condition and would 
not encourage her to undertake any work, for 
he was doubtful whether she would live 
through the coming winter. But she felt that 
God had yet a great work for her to do, and 
firmly believed that He would give her strength 
to perform it. She felt that she might not have 
a great while to work and could not think of 
allowing the campaign, just opening for revival 



242 

work to pass by unimproved. The opportuni- 
ties for such evangelistic services open before 
her as in earlier days. She heard the calls of 
her Master in the line of her chosen work from 
various quarters, and among others an invitation 
to hold a revival service in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Norris Square, Phila- 
delphia, where something like a year before 
she had joined her husband in his last great 
revival, just before their departure for Africa. 
Here the same esteemed brother, Rev. Thomas 
Harrison was pastor and the same dear people 
sustained the work. This invitation Mrs. 
Willis accepted as her first work after returning 
from the missionary field, and after the 
wonderful experiences in the same. 

Leaving her boy now with her parents in 
Ohio, she reached Norris Square, on Wednesday 
November 18, 1885. The meetings began on the 
following Sunday, November 22. She had fasted 
and prayed for souls. Her faith staggered not 
at the promises of God. The Holy Ghost was 
poured out upon the Church and the people. 
The first day was a great victory, the Church 
receiving a new impetus for the work of the 
Lord, and a great baptism of divine power. 

At night notwithstanding the disagreeable 
weather and the rain that commenced in the 



243 

afternoon and continued throughout the even- 
ing, the congregation was large — every seat in 
the audience room being occupied aud the 
class-rooms thrown open. The power of God 
was upon the evangelist in a wonderful degree. 
There was a great weeping in the congregation 
and many came to the altar, and a number 
sought Christ in other parts of the house. The 
revival indeed was already begun. From day 
to day the work went on, and progressed, and 
souls of almost all classes were saved, and 
whole families were converted to God. Among 
those who sought Christ in this meeting, we 
mention one man who, while under the influ- 
ence of liquor, sought an interview with the 
evangelist. She found indeed that he was under 
deep conviction, and prayed with him. He 
bowed at the altar that same evening and was 
saved. Just after his visit, Mrs. Willis in 
company with another lady of the Church 
started out to seek the wife of the inquirer. 
They found her in a house furnished quite 
comfortably, but traces of rum could be seen. 
These Christian workers prayed and talked 
with the poor heavy hearted woman, and with 
tears streaming down her cheeks she said she 
would like to be a Christian. She came to the 
meeting and was very happily converted, and 



244 

looking up she praised God aloud. With this 
husband and his wife, many families were made 
to rejoice on account of the great work of God 
in their uplifting and salvation. 

Though quite feeble in health and some- 
times quite prostrated by attacks of fever, 
during the course of the meeting, the evange- 
list continued in this work at Norris Square 
for something more than two weeks, when 
through failing health she was unable to 
continue the meetings. She was threatened 
w T ith typhoid fever, and her physician insisted 
that if she continued to work, it would be at the 
risk of her life. It was a great task for her to 
close a meeting that was in such a good condi- 
tion. On the last Sunday night twenty persons 
were at the altar seeking salvation, and nine- 
teen had come there for the first time. The 
awakening spirit was on the people and God 
w r as crowning all the work with abundant 
success, but the evangelist could work no 
longer, and the meetings were closed. More 
than fifty were added to the Church. 

With due care and needed rest the threat- 
ened attack on Mrs. Willis' health was averted. 
On a page of Mrs. Willis' journal written at 
that time she says: "I needed these few days 
of rest very much. I feel that while the body 



245 

has been resting I have been increasing in the 
knowledge and wisdom of God. I am also 
much improved in health, and thus better 
prepared to work for the Master. Glory to 
Jesus!" 

Her next engagement to hold revival services 
was with the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
North Wales, Montgomery Co., Pa., with Rev. 
H. Hess, pastor. Here special meetings began 
Sunday morning, December 27, 1885. From 
the beginning the blessing of the Lord attended 
the work. At the first service the evangelist 
was seconded during the preaching by some 
very hearty amens. Many bowed at the altar 
railing and at several front pews seeking a 
special baptism of the Holy Ghost for service. 
The Holy Spirit soon came upon the Church, 
and the power of the Lord was manifest to all. 
In the afternoon a special revival Sunday- 
school service was held. The services were 
very impressive ; many were melted to tears, 
and a large number arose for prayers. Con- 
versions began to take place, and the time of 
rejoicing and revival was at hand. The Lord 
was with his people and the work moved on. 

The evangelist recognized the difficulty of 
this field in revival work, and stated that 
nothing less than the power of God would 



246 

arouse the people. She looked to the One, who 
is nrighty to save, to awaken the people of 
this community and to send a great revival 
before the meeting closed. 

From that day the meetings increased in 
interest and power. The Church was greatly 
revived, and sinners were awakened and 
converted. Some professed holiness and many 
were greatly advanced in the Christian life. 
After about ten days of faithful work the 
meetings closed with great success, and the 
Church and people were made to rejoice on 
account of the salvation and blessings received. 

That the reader may obtain a better know- 
ledge of the work at this place and at the same 
time catch a glimpse of the spiritual life of the 
one whom God so highly honored in the work 
of the salvation of souls, we here close the 
history of the meeting at North Wales with a 
few extracts clipped from her private journal 
recorded while engaged in the meetings of that 
place. Under date of December 31, 1885, she 
records her experiences and reflections in the 
following language : " On this last day of the 
old year, as memory's eye look back over the 
year that is just passed, recalling, now scenes 
of joy, and again scenes of conflict in a foreign 
field, and sorest grief, I can but cry God moves 



247 

in a mysterious way. But looking over all 
that is passed, I feel no murmur arise, for I am 
sure that Jesus would not have led me through 
the fiery furnace, if it had not been the very 
best thing that eould happen me for his glory. 
All things work together for good to them that 
love God." I know that I love him with all 
my heart, and he will not willingly afflict his 
child. I find that my sad experience has 
helped many to a life of entire consecration. 
I feel for those in sorrow, and have a sympathy 
for them I never knew before. 

Affliction's blast hath made me learn ; 
To feel for others woes, 

And humbly seek with deep concern 
My own defect? to know." 

Yesterday I received a letter from Africa* 
It made me feel afresh my loss, and I fell on 
my knees in an agony of tears, and while I 
talked with Jesus a sweet comfort filled my 
soul. 

The meetings are increasing in interest, the 
church is being greatly revived, and sinners 
are being converted. Some have professed 
holiness and a goodly number are seeking it. 
Glory to God in the highest.' 5 

Under date, Jan. 4, 1886 : " Received a call 
from Trinity M. E. Church, New York, this 



"248 

morning, I have a number of pressing calls- 
may the Lord direct me to his glory. Yester- 
day morning the Holy Ghost was so heavy 
upon me while delivering the message to the 
people that I came to my room exhausted. I 
felt as if wrapped in a flame of glory. hal- 
lelujah ! The windows of heaven were opened 
and such blessings fell on the congregation that 
many were not able to conceal their emotions. 
Last night was a night of victory for God. Glory 
to his name ! As each moment passes I learn 
more and more of the length and breadth, and 
depth, and height, of the love of Christ." 

" My soul has found the land of rest 
The land of perfect holiness. 

Now Holy Spirit guide me on 
Until the glorious crown be won/' 

Closing the meetings at North Wales, Pa., 
Mrs. Willis now accepted an invitation to hold 
revival services at Trinity M. E. Church, 
Second Street, New York, with Rev. Thomas 
Birch, D. D. as pastor. Here the meetings 
began on Friday evening, January 15, 1886, 
under the most favorable auspices. The 
Church received the earlv as well as the later 
rains. On the first Sabbath morning the glory 
of God filled the house and a grand work was 
accomplished for the Master. In the evening 




JMnffig W- E - Fhvveh, Yl. ¥. Vi% 



249 

twenty-one responded to the call for penitents, 
by bowing at the altar, and a number more 
arose for prayers in the congregation. At the 
opening of these meetings the evangelist records 
in her journal some facts that may to some 
extent explain the wonderful and immediate 
results of this meeting, as well as those in 
other fields where she had labored. She says: 
" I am holding on to God for a special season of 
power in this Church, I like to be alone with 
God most of the time ; for I find that it is by 
frequent communion with the blessed Trinity 
that I gather power for active public services, 
I can see myself growing in the divine life," 
And though he is ever filling me,— 

" Insatiate to this spring I fly ; 

I drink, and yet am ever dry $ 
Ah ! who against thy charms is proof ? 

Ah ! who that loves can love enough f 

More and more do I realize how blessed it 
is to bask in the sunshine of perfect love. 

"O glorious hope of perfect love 4 
It lifts me np to things above ; 

It bears on eagle's wings ^ 
It gives say ravished soul a taste. 

And makes me for some moments feast 
With Jesus' priests and kings," 

My soul doth exceedingly magnify the 
Lord this morning that I was ever led from 



250 

living at a poor dying rate, to the land of 
Beulah. It is indeed to my soul 

" A land of corn and wine and oil,< 
Favored with God's peculiar smile, 

With every blessing blest; 
There dwells the Lord our righteousness 

And keeps his own in perfect peace 
And everlasting rest." 

I am glad that there remaineth a rest for 
the people of God, and that we that believe do 
enter into rest. I like the present tense of 
" do enter in," because it does away with the 
idea that I must wait until I get to heaven 
before I can have heart rest. 

"Every. day nay hopes bright er. 
Though the hopes of earth are gone ; 

Every day my rest draws nearer 
As my Saviour leads me on." 

0, what an experience I am enjoying by 
simply trusting. . 

" Trusting as the moments fly, 
Trusting as the days go by ; 

Trusting Him whatever befall, 
Trusting Jesus, that is all." 

Certainly, here the harvest was ripe and 
ready to be gathered. People were so anxious 
to be saved that sometimes the evangelist did 
not get a chance to preach. On one evening 
while the congregation was singing one of the 



251 

Opening hymns, a woman weeping bitterly 
came to the altar. The altar services were 
then opened and others immediately followed* 
Among the number was an officer of the House 
of Refuge, a man advanced in years. In less 
than a week it was evident that the revival 
was taking on large proportions, and the altar 
began to be filled with penitents from night to 
night ; cold hearted professors began to be 
aroused, while the earnest ones sought a greater 
baptism of the Holy Spirit. Each night was a 
night of victory and rejoicing. One evening a 
dear woman, after she was converted, looked 
up into the face of the evangelist, and with 
tears of rejoicing streaming down her cheeks 
said : " 0, Mrs, Willis, may I bring my 
husband here to-morrow night?" u The work 
spread from heart to heart, and the fire of 
revival was kindled. The pastor encouraged 
and helped the noble work by his aid and 
direction. The evangelist was clothed with 
power, and dealt with the word of God as 
something real. She records in her journal.: 
* c At times I feel carried away with a mighty 
inspiration, Oh, what a hallowed influence 
surrounds me! How the breezes of paradise fan 
my soul as the Holy Spirit tenderly broods over 
me, 0, that I could explain this feeling of 



252 

holy inspiration that comes upon me as I stand 
between the living and the dead to urge sinners 
to repentance and Christians to take higher 
grounds. 

Sometimes my whole being is so thrilled 
that I tremble under the mighty power of God 
as shock after shock reaches me from the 
heavenly battery. Oh ! Hallelujah ! At times 
a great hush comes over my soul until it quivers 
with hallowed peace and glory," 

The revival here took hold of the Sunday- 
school. The excellent superintendent and 
teachers helped on the work and God blessed 
the school until most of the pupils were saved 
Thus the work went on. The second Sabbath 
was greater in results than the first, and the 
revival increased. But before the third Sab- 
bath Mrs. Willis' strength gave away, and right 
in the midst of this increasingly glorious work 
at Trinity she was stricken with severe illness^ 
and as soon as she was able she started for her 
home, in Eastern Ohio, to secure a few days of 
much needed rest. 

The results of the meeting were glorious, 
A friend in writing of this work to Mrs, 
Willis a few weeks afterward said : " I wish 
you could have been here yesterday morning. 
I never saw such a sight in my life. When 



263 

Mr, Burch gave the invitation for all who 
wished to join the church on probation to come 
forward, eighty-three responded — four rows of 
people around the altar, and extending to the 
ladies' parlors. He had the official brethren 
come to the altar and shake hands with them. 
I never saw a congregation so moved. There 
was not a dry eye in the church. Old men as 
well as the young, at the altar and all around 
the house wept like babes. If there was such 
rejoicing on earth what must it have been in 
heaven. There were old gray haired men and 
their wives among the probationers, and many 
young men and women, husbands, and wives, 
and children, I never saw Mr. Burch so 
affected ; it seemed as though he would not be 
able to go through with the services. There 
were about forty more who were not able to be 
present who said that they would join on 
probation. So you see your labor has not been 
in vain in the Lord. 

In the columns of one of the religious 
weeklies of New York some further observa- 
tions concerning the work and service of Mrs. 
Willis in this meeting at Trinity have been 
made, and as no more true, terse or expressive 
language can be found, we conclude this chapter 



254 

by giving the reader the benefit of the article 
as taken from the paper. The paper states : 

" The Church is passing through a precious 
revival, such as it has not had for years. The 
membership have long prayed for the outpour- 
ing of the Holy Spirit upon the congregation 
and community. God has, most graciously, 
answered prayer. There have been, recently, 
most wonderful displays of God's power in the 
salvation of the people. The old, middle-aged 
and young, have knelt side by side at the altar, 
and have testified that they were saved. The 
membership has been quickened and have stood 
together in the w^ork. 

For two weeks the Church has had the 
benefit of the services of Mrs, Anna Willis, a 
missionary lately returned from Africa. God 
has blessed her labors wonderfully. Her 
appeals have been stirring, and pointed directly 
at the hearts of the unconverted. Some of the 
texts she used we shall never forget. Some 
that we remember particularly are these: "And 
the door was shut;" u Is your heart right;' 7 
" And there is a Friend that sticketh closer 
than a brother ;" " Beloved, now are we the 
sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what 
we shall be ; but we know that, when He shall 
appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see 



255 

Him as He is ;" " Come unto Me all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you 
rest." Mrs, Willis h a fluent speaker and very 
earnest. We have heard several lady evange- 
lists, but none have impressed us by their 
modesty and simplicity as she did. Her whole 
heart is. in the service of her Master, and she 
impresses her hearers with the fact that she is 
working solely for their good. She came to 
Trinity a perfect stranger, but left with the 
esteem and well- wishes of the congregation. 
She returns home to Ohio, her native State, to 
spend a few days in rest She suffers still 
from the African fever, contracted on the coast 
of Africa last summer. Her next engagement 
will be in Philadelphia. Many will arise in 
heaven and call her blessed. She certainly, by 
her winning way, has subdued hearts that have 
passed through several revivals untouched, and 
who have, through her instrumentality, been 
led to Jesus. Her good work in Trinity will 
never be forgotten. Personally, we are better for 
having listened to the wonderful appeals of this 
estimable lady., and have no hesitancy in 
recommending her to any Church who may be 
privileged to gain her services. We bid her 
<3-od speed in her work of love. We hope to 
shake hands with her in the celestial city. 



256 

Leaving New York, as soon as she was 
able after her work at Trinity M. E. Church, 
Mrs. Willis went to her father's home at 
Mt. Hope, Ohio, for a brief rest and to visit 
her boy and dear ones at home. The scene 
of again meeting and parting is so beauti- 
fully portrayed in the journal of Mrs. Willis 
that we here give it in her own recorded words 
as follows : " As soon as I was able I started for 
my home in Ohio ; had a severe chill on the way 
but arrived home safely. As I rode up to the 
door a bright little face was looking for me, 
while with a joyous voice my black eyed 
darling, in his own baby language, cried, 
" There's my mamma — there's my mamma/' 
Oh, those days of sweet comfort with my sweet 
baby and dear ones. And there were moments 
of intense heart aches when my little darling 
would wind his arms about my neck and look- 
ing lovingly into my face would say : "Mamma 
has come home to take Ossie to heaven to see 
his papa." Sometimes after lisping his little 
prayer he would add : u and take Ossie soon to 
heaven to see his papa, for Jesus' sake." 

" My mother heart would be crushed with 
sorrow as tender memories floated to me from 
the past. But those days only too quickly 
passed, and clasping my little one to my heart 



257 

with all a fond mother's yearnings, and pressing 
a good-bye kiss on his baby lips I started out 
again through blinding tears on my mission for 
my Master." 

Her next revival work was to be at the 
John B. Stetson Union Mission on North 
Fourth Street, Philadelphia, with the Rev. 
Robert F. Y. Pierce in charge, who on request 
has kindly furnished a faithful and graphic 
account, which, instead of attempting a descrip- 
tion ourselves, we here give to the readers. 
This account is as follows : 

Rev. Brother Simms : 

It gives me great pleasure to bear testimony 
to the faithful labors of one who is trying to 
do so much for our blessed Lord and Master. 

The harvest may not have been so large in 
point of members as other fields may report in 
which she has toiled, but when one is familiar 
with the peculiarity of our mission work there 
must be a hearty " Praise God" burst forth in 
acknowledgment of a wonderful work of grace. 

The North Fourth Street Union Mission of 
Philadelphia was organized in January, 1880, 
by Mr. John B. Stetson, hat manufacturer ; a 
wealthy and philanthropic gentleman, who, in 
remembrance of his boyhood days spent in the 



258 

Sabbath school desired to benefit the children 
of, and the employees of his factory. He was 
not a professing Christian, but one who realized 
the leadings of Providence. One of the rooms 
of the factory was opened and the first Sunday 
seventy -five registered their names. Mr. Hamp 
son was chosen Superintendent, and has ever 
since ably filled the position. The room soon 
became too small to accommodate the grow- 
ing attendance and other rooms were opened. 

Three years ago a room large enough to 
accommodate several hundred was erected 
adjoiningthe factory, simply for Sunday- 
school and mission work. So greatly had 
the work been blessed that Rev. Robert F. 
Y. Pierce was invited to take the management 
of it in November, 1884. Preaching services 
were at once instituted and a precious revival 
soon followed. 

This new building was now too small and 
it was greatly enlarged during the Fall of 1885, 
Before it was completed and dedicated, Sister 
Willis was invited to conduct a series of revival 
meetings. The school now numbers nearly 
1100 and between 300 and 400 earnest Christian 
workers are found among the teachers and 
older scholars, Mr. Stetson himself having 
recently been brought to a saving knowledge 



259 

in Christ. We have no Church or other organ- 
ization with us but conduct our work on the 
broadest evangelistic methods possible. Our 
converts are promptly urged to unite with the 
Christian Churches of their choice about us, 
but they are not lost to us. 

To this peculiar work our sister was invited 
and came with the blessing of God. She was 
weary in body and suffering from a severe attack 
of the African fever together with a recent cold, 
but on Sabbath afternoon, February 14th, she 
held up Christ to our school and invited each 
member to come to the fountain opened for all. 
In the evening she presented Jesus, the sinners 
friend, to a large congregation and at the close 
of the service thirty -five sin-sick souls were 
crying out for mercy. In consequence of an 
attack of quinsy and African fever Mrs. Willis 
was compelled to desist for a time from labor. 
It must be remembered that in all this work 
there was no Church organization to aid in the 
work ; and no official members to share in the 
responsibility. Several persons kindly assisted 
when not engaged with their own Church work, 
but during the weeks which followed Mrs. 
Willis was practicaly unaided except by the 
pastor, who, through the blessing of God was 
an efficient help. Sabbath evening, February 21, 



260 

Mrs. Willis resumed the service and for the 
three weeks following, she labored to win souls 
for Christ. 

Over 150 were brought to Christ during 
these meetings and we look upon them as the 
harbinger of better days jet to come. The 
inspiration lingers and the good work still goes 
on. Every prayer meeting night six or eight 
have been numbered with our enquirers. 

We regard Mrs. Willis as a woman of 
remarkable power, and love her for her 
simplicity of Christian character and beauty of 
childlike faith. She lives near her Saviour, so 
that in every day duties, as well as into every 
public service, she brings Jesus. Many will 
rise up to call her blessed when she shall have 
entered into the joy of her Lord. 
Faithfully yours, 

Robert F. Y. Pierce. 

In addition to this terse, and careful report, 
we would also call attention to the fact that 
about the close of this meeting, a very beautiful 
account of the life of Mrs. Willis, from the pen 
of the same writer, appeared in the columns of 
the National Baptist, April 8, 1886, a 
paragraph or two from which we here quote 
for our readers: " A visit to the North Fourth 



261 

Street Mission, at Fourth and Montgomery 
Avenue, during the progress of the revival 
meeting conducted by Mrs. H. M. "Willis, 
convinced one that the work of the Holy Spirit 
was truly wonderful, and that Mrs. "Willis was 
a remarkable woman. Though young in years, 
she is old in trials and sorrows ; though weak 
in body, she is strong in the Lord, and in the 
power and demonstration of the Spirit. Hun- 
dreds have been led to Christ, and she is never 
so happy as when speaking and working for 
him. Her manner is so simple and plain that 
one often wonders at the marvelous results of 
her preaching. But a knowledge of her inner 
life reveals the secret, for she knows " Tis not 
by might nor by power, but by my Spirit saith 
the Lord;" " hence she walks with God. In 
conscious nearness to him, she exemplifies 
that purity of character, that sweetness of 
Christian life which wins souls to her Lord. 
The African fever still troubles her, rendering 
her at times wholly unfit for service. By the 
positive demands of physicians and the earnest 
request of her many kind friends she has 
consented to rest for a few months. Would to 
God there were more just such laborers, willing, 
if needs be, to lay down their lives for Jesus 
sake." 



262 

The special services of North Fourth Street 
Mission, as further reports have shown*, closed 
with a very impressive jubilee meeting, when 
those that had been led to Christ, during the 
meetings, rejoiced together and gave earnest 
testimonies and bright evidences of life and 
salvation never known before* 

With this meeting of North Fourth Street 
Union Mission, in which so many new converts 
gave positive assurance of acceptance in Christ, 
Mrs. Willis closed her evangelistic labors for 
the season, and in accordance with the demands 
of physicians and the advice of friends she 
canceled her many engagements for further 
revival services and returned to her home in 
Ohio, where she is now resting in order to 
regain her health and energies that she may 
enter in the Fall with renewed strength, into 
other fields of work. During the Summer she 
may visit Chatauqua, Ocean Grove, and other 
of the great assemblies, but most of the time 
will be spent in the quiet home of her parents 
at Mt. Hope, Ohio, in company with father 
mother, sisters, and with her own little son 
Ossian. The moments will fly swiftly, and the 
time will soon come when she may go out 
again at the call of her Master to win other 
victories for her Lord ; to spend and be spent 



for his glory. May it be the pleasure of the 
Lord to spare her many years for his great 
work of winning the unsaved to God, and may 
he grant that her future life may be as beautiful 
and Christ like as the past, and that with 
increasing strength and efficiency, she may 
continue the soul-saving work to which she 
has evidently been called, and for which, by the 
Holy Spirit,she has been so admirably equipped, 
With this record of events and facts along the 
pathway of these Christian evangelists we now 
come to the close of this volume. He, of whom 
we have spoken, has already finished his course 
and has gone on to enter through the gates into 
the city. She whose life and work we have 
briefly and imperfectly sketched, still lives to 
labor in the great harvest of soul-gathering 9 
and, doubtless, in this work she will be found 
faithful unto death, and afterwards in heaven 5 
with her husband and co-laborer. Rejoice with 
the thousands of saved souls whom they have 
won to Christ* 



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